Systems and methods for providing a magnetic resonance treatment to a subject

ABSTRACT

Disclosed here in are a system and method for providing a magnetic resonance treatment to a subject. In one described embodiment, a system for providing a magnetic resonance treatment to a subject is provided, the system including components that provide the system with an ability to treat pain and relieve symptoms of the subject. In another embodiment, a method of providing a magnetic resonance treatment to a subject is provided, wherein the system includes components that provide the system with an ability to treat pain, relieve symptoms, provide relaxation, and improve the overall comfort and well-being of the subject.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/546,385, filed on Aug. 24, 2009, and entitled“Systems And Methods For Providing A Magnetic Resonance Treatment To ASubject,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/091,582, for “Systems and Methods for Providing a MagneticTherapy Treatment to a Subject,” filed on Aug. 25, 2008, the entirety ofboth of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for providingmagnetic resonance to a subject. In particular, this invention relatesto a magnetic resonance treatment system and methods for using a systemto treat pain, relieve symptoms, provide relaxation, and improve theoverall comfort and well-being of the subject.

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance (MR) is a widely practiced and growing alternativetreatment for many indications (i.e., illness, disease, medicalcondition, or ailment). Magnetic resonance devices have been known to bea natural and economical means of treating body pains and commoninjuries. Many methods have been used to apply magnets to comfort orheal body areas and thereby, avoiding the use of injections, pills,salves, or body-invasive procedures. Overall, the basis of magneticresonance involves artificially produced fields. These fields interactwith components such as, but not limited to, atomic or molecularcomponents of living tissue, which then have a beneficial effect on thatliving tissue.

One form of magnetic resonance uses static magnetic fields. Staticmagnetic fields may be produced by permanent magnets incorporated intoitems such as bracelets, belts, back pads, mattress pads, andmattresses. It is believed that static magnetic fields have someefficacy in the treatment of broken bones and soft tissue injuries andtend to promote the circulation of blood as well as relieve stiffness inmuscles.

More recent attempts to employ the therapeutic effects of magneticfields have focused on devices that generate an electromagnetic fieldand the methods of treatment employing such devices in conjunction withcomputers. Various devices have been made to create time-varyingmagnetic fields for use on the human body. Specifically, in thistime-varying magnetic field device are pulsed electromagnetic fields(PEMFs) which are generated when a current is forced to move through aconductor in discrete impulses of electric charge moving in the samedirection. These devices have been used to treat pain and relievesymptoms, as disclosed, for example, in Jacobson, et al., in U.S. Pat.No. 5,269,746.

The ability of PEMFs to affect changes in the body is dependant on theability of PEMFs to positively affect human physiologic or anatomicsystems. The pulsed magnetic waves use low power electromagnetic fieldsthat stimulate the cells in the body to trigger healing. Oneimplementation of PEMFs involves selecting field strengths andfrequencies that resonate with the cellular frequencies in the body.Recent research has found improved efficacy when very low PEMFs aretuned precisely to the indication or condition of the subject. Thus,there exists a need to enable this type of PEMF delivery to subjects.

Currently, medical practitioners and medical researchers worldwide,generalists or specialists, treat a broad range of diseases through theuse of conventional medicine. With the use of magnetic resonance devicesand treatment protocols, these practitioners and researchers have thepotential to treat subjects who suffer from a wide range of diseases ina more efficient and minimally invasive manner. Present magneticresonance device systems, however, require the expertise of a magnetictherapist who understands magnetic resonance, as well as subjecttreatments and diseases in order to treat a subject. Additionally, inresearch settings, current magnetic resonance devices are only used bymagnetic resonance experts to develop new magnetic resonance protocols.Consequently, only magnetic resonance experts can administer thetreatment, limiting its use while the public suffers from a shortage ofmagnetic resonance treatment professionals.

By creating a simplified magnetic resonance device system that allows abroader range of users such as, but not limited to, medicalpractitioners, alternative medicine providers, or home users, morepatients suffering from a wide range diseases may be treated by eithertreating themselves or with the assistance of a general practitioner.Additionally, such a device can be used by non-medical personnel inconnection with other uses, such as relaxation. Medical researchers whodo not have a special expertise in magnetic resonance may contribute tothe development of new and improved magnetic resonance treatmentparameters and protocols for a broad range of diseases. Additionally,users such as patients can operate and treat themselves using themagnetic resonance device remotely, such as at home, eliminating theneed to travel to or make appointments with a medical practitioner.Accordingly, there exists a need for a system that does not require anexpertise in magnetic resonance such that more health-carepractitioners, researchers, and subjects are able to use magneticresonance devices and treatment protocols. Thus, there exists a need fora simplified magnetic resonance device system that allows a broad rangeof users to administer magnetic resonance treatments and to contributeto the development of new and improved magnetic resonance parameters andprotocols.

Furthermore, current systems do not aggregate, analyze, and improvesubject magnetic resonance development data and thus, do not provide themost current treatment protocols available. These systems do not providetherapies for subjects suffering across multiple disease states and/orconditions (“co-morbidities”) in addition to their primary disease.Although there are a broad range of applications for treatment withPEMFs, the results of magnetic resonance treatment depend not only onthe parameters of the fields, but also on the individual sensitivity ofthe person. A subject's predominant indication, medical history,biographical history, and prior treatment data, influence the subject'streatment parameters. Without using a subject's current state of health,prior medical history, and therapies that cover multiple disease statesand/or conditions, current systems merely provide efficacious results tosmall homogenous populations found in clinical trials, rather thaneffective results across the diverse populations found in the realworld, leaving the real subjects without the intended result.

Moreover, current systems lack the ability to capture and immediatelyconsider the subject's sensitivity or biometric data through real-timedata monitoring, increasing the risk of treatment error. An individualsubject is generally required to heavily rely on the physician toset-up, administer, and adjust their treatment parameters without thebenefit of receiving real-time data measurements during their treatmentsession. These real-time measurements can provide a compilation of datauseful for analytical purposes in selecting future treatment protocolsfor subjects.

Additionally, if the system does not provide a systematic method ofevaluating the subject's progress as the subject receives the treatment,the treatment parameters may not be readily adaptable. The treatmentparameters may not be able to be modified at the subject's point of careif the operator does not have an expertise in magnetic resonance theory.In order to provide a method of evaluating a subject's progress as thesubject receives a treatment, there exists a need for a system tocapture and aggregate biometric measurement information for makingreal-time adjustments to current treatment parameters and a need tostore information for analysis of future treatment protocols.

Also, currently a subject may provide verbal feedback of a treatment tohis or her physician immediately after being given their magneticresonance treatment. However, this may cause poor or incompleteinformation to be relayed to the physician when working with certainsubject populations such as elderly subjects, children, patientssuffering from dementia, or subjects within the general population whoare inconvenienced (e.g., lack of time). In that case, the subject maynot provide any feedback at all, or will provide a hastily given, andpossibly less thorough, feedback response. Moreover, the feedbackprovided by the subject may typically be recorded in the subject's fileby a physician and may not be in a format that lends itself toreporting. This creates a hindrance in quickly assessing the subject'streatment results and feedback data and stunts the research anddevelopment of better treatment protocols since non-identifiable subjectdata may be unable to be shared in a readily accessible and interactivemedium.

In addition, current systems generally lack the ability to automaticallyunderstand a subject's progress through a systematic method of gatheringfeedback before, during, and after his treatment, regardless of thesubject's location. Likewise, current systems lack the ability to for asubject to modify or to update his feedback responses after a treatment.The subject is expected to either make another appointment with thephysician at a later date or wait until his next treatment in order tomodify or update the feedback response to their prior treatment. Thismay cause the subject to fail to remember what modifications he wantedto make or to forget to address the modification at all. Consequently, aneed exists for a flexible and accommodating method for the subject toprovide and modify treatment feedback after his treatment and at hisconvenience. Thus, there exists a need for a readily accessible andinteractive system to track and store reportable feedback given bysubjects verbally, physically, biometrically, or by any other method ofobtaining feedback, before, during, and after treatment.

Experts in the field of magnetic resonance continue to research theeffect of PEMFs on various indications. For example, researchers testthe effects of various PEMF parameters. As a result, researchersdiscover new and improved treatment parameters to apply in a clinicalsetting. One challenge is that these experts in the field of magneticresonance may be isolated with their research and findings. It would bebeneficial to compile and analyze this parameter data in order to use itto develop, improve, and define magnetic resonance treatment parameters.But current systems do not have this functionality, which negativelyaffects the ability of the physician to successfully treat orsignificantly benefit the myriad of symptoms presented to him withmagnetic resonance treatment and the ability of the subject to receivenew or improved treatment parameters.

Moreover, the current system lacks the ability to compile and measureactual subject results and feedback and provide improved treatmentparameters based upon the compilation and analysis of those results andfeedback. Each subject's results and feedback remain isolated. Thus,there exists a need for a system to compile, measure, and analyzesubject results and feedback from magnetic resonance treatment andprovide new or improved treatment parameters based upon the subject'sresults and feedback data. Additionally, there exists a need tointegrate the system with web-based Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act (“HIPAA”) compliant systems to gather results,feedback, and additional data from subjects, clinical or medicalorganizations, hospitals, or medical offices across a broad range of thesubject population. Integrating these systems may allow information tobe constantly updated, thereby creating more customized treatments andprovide for new or improved treatment parameters.

Presently, magnetic resonance treatments are designed to treat orbenefit symptoms associated with a specific indication. Existingtreatment parameters typically treat only a specific symptom orindication, failing to take into account a subject's medical history.Current systems lack the ability to take into account a subject'smedical history when setting magnetic resonance treatment parameters. Asubject may have underlying conditions that need to be treated withmagnetic resonance in addition to the subject's predominant indication.Furthermore, two subjects suffering from a common indication but withdifferent medical histories are often treated with the same treatmentparameters. This method of treatment ignores the different medicalhistories of each subject and does not reflect the reality of a livingbeing.

Furthermore, current systems generally lack the ability to personalizetreatment parameters to treat an individual subject. As a result,subjects may not receive the correct treatment parameters to directlytreat their conditions. Moreover, a subject who is suffering fromvarious indications may be required to receive multiple treatments toremedy his indications. For example, a subject may have a medicalhistory that includes Parkinson's disease, as well as heart disease. Asecond subject may suffer only from heart disease. Using currentsystems, both subjects may receive similar treatment parameters to treattheir heart disease. However, the first subject, who is suffering frommultiple indications, may not receive the most appropriate treatmentparameter to treat his multiple indications. This is inefficient,time-consuming, and may be mentally and physically exhausting for asubject suffering from multiple indications. Thus, there exists a needfor a system to predict which treatments may be most useful in treatingsubjects with various subject histories, including subjects withmultiple indications.

Additionally, current systems lack the ability to promptly access,analyze, and determine a subject's treatment regimen, past and currentmedical history, treatment results and feedback, and biographical data.The ability to perform these tasks would provide more efficient,reliable, and effective treatment, providing information for futuretreatment enhancements and reducing treatment errors. Presently, aphysician is required to search through a subject's file for thesubject's treatment regimen, past and current medical history, treatmentresults and feedback, and biographical data. Then, to provide magneticresonance treatment to the subject, a physician must compute themagnetic resonance treatment parameters, or have such computationperformed, which generally requires a specific level of expertise.

When determining the treatment parameters, however, a physician may lackthe ability to consider all of the subject's parameters into hiscomputation. Although a physician may consider the subject's indicationand the subject's past treatment regimen, a physician may not have theability, in the time allotted during the subject's magnetic resonancevisit, to consider other variables that may have an impact on thecomputation of treatment parameters such the subject's past and currentmedical history, the medications the subject may be taking, thesubject's physiological data (e.g., blood pressure, weight, tremor rate,or pulse rate), as well as the time, date, latitude and location of thesubject's magnetic resonance treatments.

Although current systems may allow a physician to refine treatmentparameters based upon the subject's verbal feedback and/or thephysician's physical observation of the subject, the physician may lackthe ability to calculate the subject's non-verbal, real-time data andfeedback, such as physiological data, into the adjusted treatmentparameters. As a result, the subject may not receive the most accuratetreatment parameters. Thus, there exists a need for a system thatincorporates multiple subject data and feedback parameters, as well asmagnetic treatment data, into algorithms to compute the best magneticresonance treatment parameters and protocols.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems thatprovide a magnetic resonance treatment to a subject.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of providing amagnetic resonance treatment to a subject. A feature of such embodimentsis that the method may comprise the steps of beginning a treatment of asubject, updating a treatment of a subject, and ending a treatment of asubject. Advantages of such embodiments may include, but are not limitedto, treating pain, relieving symptoms, and/or increasing theeffectiveness of drugs or other treatments, among others.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a system thatprovides a magnetic resonance treatment to a subject. A feature of suchembodiments is that the system may comprise a magnetic resonance devicethat may be in communication with a client computer that may be incommunication with a network that may be in communication with a systemserver. Advantages of such embodiments may include, but are not limitedto, treating pain, relieving symptoms, and/or increasing theeffectiveness of drugs or other treatments, among others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure are better understood when the following Detailed Descriptionis read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for providing a magneticresonance treatment to a subject according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a magneticresonance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating information flow from one or moresensors, environmental sensors, and recording devices to a networkaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of providing a magneticresonance treatment to a subject according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of utilizing a magneticresonance treatment system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of querying and analyzing adatabase according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method of alerting an operator andclient computer of a medically significant event according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method of capturing and storingsensor data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method of subscribing to researchdata or receiving data via a prescription according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 10a through 10o depict magnetic coil assemblies suitable for usein various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems forproviding a magnetic resonance treatment to a subject. Numerousmodifications and adaptations are apparent to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope of this disclosure.

As set forth above, there is a need for a system that controls amagnetic resonance device and provides magnetic resonance treatments inan interactive and controlled manner. There is also a need for asimplified magnetic resonance device system that allows a broad range ofusers to administer magnetic resonance treatments and to contribute tothe development of new and improved magnetic resonance parameters andprotocols. Furthermore, there is a need for a readily accessible andinteractive system to track and store reportable feedback given bysubjects verbally, physically, biometrically, or by any other method ofobtaining feedback, before, during, and after treatment. Still further,there is a need for a system to compile, measure, and analyze subjectresults and feedback from magnetic resonance treatment and provide newor improved treatment parameters based upon the subject's results andfeedback data. Similarly, there is a need for a system that incorporatesmultiple subject data and feedback parameters, as well as magnetictreatment data, into algorithms to compute the best magnetic resonancetreatment parameters and protocols.

The methods and systems described herein can be used to promote healthand wellness. In various embodiments, the systems and methods may assistin providing relaxation and stress relief. Further, the systems andmethods may be used in the context of traditional medicine orcomplementary alternative medicine. For example, some embodiments of thepresent invention are advantageously used to treat pain and relievesymptoms of a subject. The symptoms may be symptoms of a condition. Thecondition may be a disease, injury, or any other condition. It will beapparent to those of skill in the art, however, that methods and systemsof the present invention may be advantageously used in many differentenvironments.

By way of example, in a traditional medicine environment, it may beadvantageous to provide a treatment to a subject based on a recommendedtreatment protocol from a system server. In another example, in aresearch environment, it may be advantageous to provide anelectromagnetic field to a subject or object based on a protocol from asystem server to observe the resulting effect.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method for providing a magneticresonance treatment to a subject may be provided. In some embodiments,the method comprises beginning a treatment of a subject, updating atreatment of a subject, and ending a treatment of a subject.

In one embodiment, beginning the treatment of the subject comprisesquerying a database of a plurality of MR treatment protocols and/orparameters, generating treatment protocols based on a result of thequery, and providing a treatment to the subject according to theselected treatment protocol. In a further embodiment, treatment of thesubject comprises providing treatment protocols to a processor,selecting a treatment protocol on the processor, and initializing amagnetic resonance device. In another embodiment, subject data iscollected and provided to a database.

In one embodiment, the subject data may be collected from the subject.In other embodiments the subject data may be collected from a thirdparty, such as the subject's physician or a third-party network such asWebMD, Google Health, or others. In some embodiments, the subject dataalso comprises various types of information, including one or more of:demographic information, lifestyle information, time of treatment, dateof treatment, location of treatment, health information, and magneticresonance treatment history information.

In one embodiment, generating a future treatment protocol comprises atleast one of acquiring prior treatment data of the subject, searchingthe database for a treatment of a subject with a medical history similarto the subject, or searching the database for a subject populationtrend. Acquiring prior treatment data of the subject may include anyknown method of obtaining data, for example, querying a database orobtaining the information from the patient or a representative of thepatient. Such patient information may be provided verbally, in writtenform, in electronic form, or in any other known format. Prior treatmentdata may include records of prior treatments, protocols, or devicesused. Prior treatment data may also include a subject's response to suchprior treatments, protocols, or devices. The subject's response may takeplace during, before, or after treatment. The subject's response caninclude clinical measurement(s), patient-subjective outcome(s), sensordata, test data, and/or any other response.

In one embodiment, querying the database comprises searching thedatabase for prior treatment data of the subject. Or querying thedatabase may comprise searching the database for a treatment of asubject with a treatment history similar to the subject and/or searchingthe database for a subject population trend.

In some embodiments, generating a treatment protocol based on the resultof the query comprises using an analysis algorithm to find anappropriate treatment for the subject. In one embodiment, the analysisalgorithm comprises using prior treatment data. In one embodiment, theanalysis algorithm comprises using similar treatment history to searchfor subjects with similar medical history and characteristics. In oneembodiment, the analysis algorithm comprises using a subject populationtrend to find the appropriate treatment for the subject. A subjectpopulation trend may include data related to a population of which thesubject is a member. Further, the subject population trend may includeinformation regarding how various pieces of data associated with thepopulation are trending over a period of time. In one embodiment, theanalysis algorithm comprises using treatment information regarding atleast one of the time, season, latitude, or location of the magneticresonance treatment to find the appropriate treatment for the subject.

In one embodiment, initializing the magnetic resonance device comprisesselecting a treatment protocol from one or more recommended treatmentprotocols. In one embodiment, initializing the magnetic resonance devicecomprises applying a setting to the magnetic resonance device that isappropriate for the selected treatment and the subject. In anotherembodiment, initializing the magnetic resonance device comprisesactivating the magnetic resonance device. In an embodiment, the methodcomprises updating the treatment of the subject. In still otherembodiments, initializing the magnetic resonance device comprisesapplying a setting to the magnetic resonance device that may beappropriate for the selected treatment and the subject. In a furtherembodiment, updating the treatment of the subject comprises at least oneof monitoring the subject during the treatment, providing subject datato a processor, determining whether a treatment adjustment is needed(and if it is determined that the treatment adjustment is needed,identifying the needed adjustment), identifying a proper treatmentprotocol (based at least in part on whether the treatment adjustment isneeded), selecting the treatment protocol on the processor, initializinga magnetic resonance device, and applying a treatment to the subjectaccording to the selected treatment protocol.

In one embodiment, monitoring the subject during the treatment comprisesusing at least one of the following: a clinical measurement, asubject-reported outcome, a physician-reported outcome, a sensor, or arecording device. Furthermore, in some embodiments, determining whethera treatment adjustment may be needed comprises comparing an intendedresult of the treatment to an actual result of the treatment.

In one embodiment, ending the treatment of the subject comprises atleast one of commanding a processor to end the treatment, collecting andstoring subject data on the processor, providing the subject data to adatabase, querying the database, and/or generating a future treatmentprotocol based on a result of the query. In some embodiments, queryingthe database comprises searching the database for prior treatment dataof the subject and/or searching the database for a treatment of asubject with a medical history similar to the subject and/or searchingthe database for a subject population trend. In still furtherembodiments, generating a future treatment protocol based on the resultof the query comprises using an analysis algorithm to find anappropriate future treatment for the subject, and the analysis algorithmcomprises using at least one of the following: prior treatment data,medical history, similar treatment history, time, date, latitude oflocation of MR treatment, or a subject population trend to find theappropriate treatment for the subject.

In one embodiment, the method for providing a magnetic resonancetreatment to a subject further comprises attaining access to data of atreatment protocol. In some embodiments, attaining access to data of thetreatment protocol comprises requesting access to data. In someembodiments, attaining access to data of the treatment protocolcomprises determining if the requested data requires a subscription. Ifthe requested data requires a subscription, attaining access to data ofthe treatment protocol may comprise determining if an operator has thesubscription. In some embodiments, if the operator has the subscription,the operator may then access the data. In some embodiments, if theoperator does not have the subscription, attaining access to data of thetreatment protocol may comprise registering the operator for thesubscription, purchasing the subscription, and accessing the data. Insome embodiments, if the requested data does not require thesubscription, attaining access to data of the treatment protocol maycomprise accessing the requested data.

In one embodiment of the invention, attaining access to data of thetreatment protocol comprises requesting access to data and subsequentlydetermining whether the requested data requires a prescription. If therequested data requires a prescription, attaining access to data of thetreatment protocol may comprise determining whether the subject has theprescription. In some embodiments, if the requested data does notrequire the prescription, or of the subject has the prescription, thenthe operator may access the data. In some embodiments, if the requesteddata requires the prescription, and the subject does not have theprescription, then the operator may be denied access to the data. Insome embodiments, the method may further comprise adding treatmentprotocol data to a repository.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise requesting a dataand/or software update and downloading the data and/or software update.The data and/or software update may be provided to a magnetic resonancedevice. In some embodiments, the data and/or software update is providedto a computer.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise executing a sweepprotocol, generating a treatment protocol based on a result of thesubject's feedback during the sweep protocol, providing the treatmentprotocol to a processor, selecting a treatment protocol on theprocessor, initializing a magnetic resonance device, and providing atreatment to the subject according to the selected treatment protocol.

In one embodiment of the invention, a system that provides a magneticresonance treatment to a subject may be provided. In some embodiments,the system comprises components that may provide the system with anability to treat and heal a subject. In further embodiments, the systemis used for non-medical applications, such as comfort, relaxation,and/or wellness. Such embodiments may promote the general health andwellness of the subject. Examples of such components are identified anddescribed herein.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a magnetic resonance device,wherein the magnetic resonance device may be in communication with acomputer. In an embodiment, the computer comprises MR device software.In some embodiments, the computer is a client computer. In otherembodiments, the computer is a system server. In some embodiments, theclient computer may be in communication with a system server. In someembodiments, the client computer and system server may be incommunication with a network. In some embodiments, the computer furthercomprises at least one of: a processor, a storage device, a magneticresonance device software, a user interface, an input/output device, ora network interface.

In one embodiment, the storage device may be capable of storing at leastone of: subject data, magnetic resonance device data, or treatment data.In some embodiments, the client computer may possess a shielding elementthat prevents electromagnetic radiation emanating from the clientcomputer from interfering with the magnetic resonance device. In stillfurther embodiments, the client computer may be connected to a magneticresonance driver via a cable for operating the magnetic resonancedevice. In some embodiments, the client computer may be wirelesslyconnected to a magnetic resonance driver for operating the magneticresonance device.

In various embodiments, the subject data comprises one or more of thefollowing: subject characteristics, demographic information, lifestyleinformation, date of treatment, time of treatment, location oftreatment, health information, medical history, magnetic resonancetreatment history information, and information about responses totreatments. In some embodiments, magnetic resonance treatment historyinformation comprises at least one of: the magnetic resonance protocolsused, responses to magnetic resonance protocols used, the time of day,date, latitude, or location of the magnetic resonance treatments.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the magnetic resonance device datacomprises a record of a setting for a magnetic resonance device. In oneembodiment, the record of a setting for a magnetic resonance devicecomprises at least one of: information about the type of magneticresonance device, information about a coil used in the magneticresonance device, the order of steps in a magnetic resonance protocol,flux density, frequency, amplitude, intensity, voltage, waveform shape,or resonation duration of electromagnetic energy. Similarly, in anotherembodiment the treatment data comprises at least one of: a primaryindication for which the subject may be treated, one or more secondaryindication(s) for which the subject may be treated, sensor and recordingdevice data, or a result of a treatment.

In one embodiment, the magnetic resonance device software may provide anability to manage a setting of the magnetic resonance device. In someembodiments, the user interface may be a graphical user interfaceassociated with the magnetic resonance device and the magnetic resonancedevice software.

In one embodiment, the network interface comprises a standard wired orwireless communication link for connecting to the network. In stillfurther embodiments, the network comprises a wide area network (WAN)and/or a local area network (LAN) and/or a wireless network and/or apublic telephone network and/or an intranet and/or the Internet.

In one embodiment, the system server comprises an application and adatabase. In a further embodiment, the application comprises a webapplication and an analysis algorithm. In some embodiments, the databasemay store one or more of the following: aggregate subject data,aggregate magnetic resonance device data, aggregate treatment data, andmagnetic resonance reference data. In one embodiment, the aggregatesubject data comprises a collection of subject data from the clientcomputer of the magnetic resonance system. In other embodiments, theaggregate magnetic resonance device data comprises a collection ofmagnetic resonance device data from the client computer of the magneticresonance system. In still other embodiments, the aggregate treatmentdata comprises a collection of treatment data from the client computerof the magnetic resonance system.

In one embodiment, the aggregate treatment data comprises data from atleast one of: a subject-reported outcome, a physician-reported outcome,a sensor, a recording device, a magnetic assembly, or an environmentalsensor. In some embodiments, the magnetic resonance reference datacomprises a collection of a magnetic resonance treatment regimen and anassociated result that may have been performed by use of the magneticresonance system. Similarly, in further embodiments, the magneticresonance device comprises a magnetic assembly that may be attached to acoil housing that may be in communication with a magnetic resonancedriver.

In one embodiment, the magnetic resonance device further comprises asensor. The sensor may comprise at least one of an environmental sensoror a recording device. In some embodiments, the magnetic resonancedevice further comprises at least one of: a magnetometer, a compensationnetwork, or a cable. In still further embodiments, the sensor may havean ability to measure and record physiological data of the subject.

In one embodiment, the sensor or sensors comprise at least one of ablood pressure sensor, a perspiration sensor, a body weight sensor, abody temperature sensor, a haptics glove sensor, anelectroencephalograph, or an electrocardiograph. In some embodiments,the environmental sensor may have an ability to measure and monitor anexternal force that influences a magnetic resonance treatment.Furthermore, in other embodiments, the sensor and the environmentalsensor may be connected to a magnetic resonance driver via a wired orwireless communication means. In one embodiment, the recording devicemay have an ability to capture and record observational data. Similarly,in another embodiment, the recording device comprises a video camera. Instill further embodiment, the recording device may be connected to amagnetic resonance driver via a wired or wireless communication means.

In one embodiment, the magnetic assembly comprises a magnetic coilconfiguration that produces a uniform magnetic field over a specificarea of sufficient volume to accommodate a subject receiving a magneticresonance treatment. In some embodiments, the magnetic coil comprises atleast one of: a Helmholtz coil, a poloidal coil, a Maxwell coil, asolenoid coil, a toroidal coil, or a planar coil. In other embodiments,the magnetic assembly may be wired in parallel with the compensationnetwork and may be electrically connected to the magnetic resonancedriver. In still further embodiments, the coil housing comprises achassis that provides an enclosure for the magnetic assembly and anothercomponent of the magnetic resonance device. In some embodiments, thecoil housing may be made of a non-magnetic and non-conductive material.

In one embodiment, the magnetometer may have an ability to measure amagnetic field between coils of the magnetic assembly. In someembodiments, the magnetometer may allow the magnetic resonance driver tosense an ambient magnetic environment and to adapt its output to accountfor a magnetic field.

In one embodiment, the magnetic resonance driver comprises a low-levelelectronic waveform generator. In some embodiments, the magneticresonance driver may possess a shield element that preventselectromagnetic radiation emanating from the magnetic resonance driverfrom interfering with the magnetic resonance device.

MR Systems and Methods of Use

Thus, in certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a systemfor and method of providing a magnetic resonance (herein “MR”)treatment, where a system server may generate an actionable set oftreatment recommendations, and a client with appropriate authorizationmay select one of the computer-generated treatment recommendations fromhis computing device, which then directs the MR device to provide thebest MR treatment for that subject. Users such as subjects, generalpractitioners, service personnel, and research personnel employing aclient computer may communicate with a MR system server via a network.The MR system server may store, collate, and analyze MR treatment andsubject specific data and generates actionable MR treatmentrecommendations. All references to MR systems includeelectro-gravitational and/or electromagnetic-gravitational systems.

The term “patient” is used herein to describe any living system, such asany living animal, plant, and/or human, that may be the subject of themagnetic resonance treatment by use of the MR system of the invention. Apatient may include any user of the MR system in any location, forexample at home. The term “subject” is used herein to include a patientor any other person, animal, plant, or object upon which the MR systemoperates. The term “practitioner” is used herein to include, forexample, physicians, physician assistants (PA), nurses, any other healthcare provider, or other professionals involved in complementaryalternative medicine or promoting general health and wellness, such aschiropractors or acupuncturists. In further embodiments, thepractitioner is also the subject. The term “research personnel” usedherein includes, for example, clinical groups, medical scientists, orregulatory agencies. Additionally, the term “service personnel”includes, for example, device manufacturers, MR system maintenancepersonnel, database specialists, or computer specialists. All referencesto MR systems include electro-gravitational systems.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for providing a magneticresonance treatment to a subject according to one embodiment of theinvention. The MR system 100 may include an MR device 102, one or moreclient computers 108, a network 130, and an MR system server 132.

In one embodiment, an operator 106 utilizes the client computer 108. Theoperator 106 may be, for example, a subject 104, a general practitioner,a research personnel, a service personnel, and/or any individual trainedto operate the MR device 102. The client computer 108 may berepresentative of a standard computing device, such as a personalcomputer, laptop, or host computer, capable of running the systemcontrol software for operating the MR device 102 and interfacing withthe network 130. In one embodiment, the client computer 108 is apersonal computer (PC) which includes at least one of a processor 110, astorage device 112, a MR device software 120, a user interface 122, aset of input/output (I/O) devices 124, and a network interface 126. Inan alternate embodiment, the client computer 108 may contain acombination of one or more of these elements. The storage device 112 mayinclude data such as, but not limited to, subject data 114, MR devicedata 116, and treatment data 118.

The client computer 108 may be a dedicated device for use only with theMR system 100, or a shared computing device, including other types ofcomputing devices such as handheld devices, tablet PCs, personal digitalassistants (PDA), cellular telephones, Web appliances or any machine orcomputing device capable of executing a sequence of instructions thatspecify actions to be taken by that machine or computing device.

In further embodiments, the client computer 108 possesses one or moreshielding elements (not shown) that prevent electromagnetic radiationemanating from the PC from interfering with the operation of the MRdevice 102, for example, a chassis exterior having 20-thousands (0.02″)steel, or 10-thousands (0.01″) mu metal. In one embodiment, the clientcomputer 108 is electrically connected to the MR driver 218 via one ormore cables 216 (shown in FIG. 2) for operating the MR device 102 andinterfacing with the network 130. In another embodiment, the clientcomputer 108 may be connected via wired or wireless means and is capableof communicating with the MR system server 132.

The processor 110 may be any central processing unit (CPU), controller,or microcontroller device that is capable of managing the overalloperations of the client computer 108, such as managing I/O devices,network communication, data exchange and storage, and executing theprogram instructions of any software applications that may be loaded onthe client computer 108.

The storage device 112 may be, for example, any volatile or non-volatiledata storage mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a random accessmemory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, a computer hard drive, afloppy disk drive, a DVD, a CD-ROM, and any combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the subject data 114, MR device data 116, andtreatment data 118 are associated with the MR device 102 and the MRdevice software 120 and may be stored upon the storage device 112. Thesubject data 114 may be user-specific data of, for example, one or moresubjects 104 of the MR system 100. The subject data 114 may include, forexample, each subject's demographic information (e.g., age, gender,ethnicity, address), health information (e.g., personal medical history,family medical history), lifestyle information (e.g., smoker ornon-smoker), and MR history information (e.g., a record of MRtreatments). Subject data may also include the primary and secondaryindication(s) that the subject is suffering from.

The MR device data 116 may include, for example, a record of theoperational settings of the MR device 102 for each MR treatment of eachsubject 104. The operational settings of the MR device used to determinethe treatment protocol may include flux density, frequency, amplitude,intensity, voltage, waveform shape, and resonation duration of theelectromagnetic energy. In some embodiments, these determinations arebased upon one or more of: the configuration of the MR device 102 (e.g.,7-foot or 22-inch MR device), the type of device (e.g., whole bodyimmersion, partial body immersion), and the sequencing of theparameters. In one embodiment, the MR device data values of theoperational settings are not disclosed to the operator 106 who istreating the subject 104. Rather, these values may be initially enteredand stored by select operators such as a MR researcher with specialaccess. The treatment data 118 may include, for example, the primary andsecondary indication(s) that the subject is being treated for, sensorand recording device data, the results of one or more MR treatments asreported by the subject (subject-reported outcomes), and the results ofone or more MR treatments as reported by a physician (physician-reportedoutcomes).

An instance of the MR device software 120 may also reside on each clientcomputer 108, as the user interface 122. The MR device software 120 maybe the device-specific control software of the MR device 102. Forexample, in one embodiment, the MR device software 120 provides theability to manage the operational settings of the MR device 102, such asbut not limited to, the flux density, frequency, amplitude, intensity,voltage, waveform shape, and duration of the electromagnetic energy thatis supplied by the MR device 102. In some embodiments, thesedeterminations are based upon one or more of: the model of the MR device102 (i.e. 7-foot or 22-inch MR device), the type of device (i.e. wholebody immersion, partial body immersion, etc.), and the sequencing of theparameters. The user interface 122 may be, for example, thedevice-specific graphical user interface (GUI) that is associated withthe MR device 102 and the MR device software 120. The device-specificGUI (not shown) may be displayed to the user via the display of theclient computer 108.

The I/O devices 124 may include, for example, a display device, akeyboard, a touch screen, mouse, speaker, voice recognition, system,and/or printer. The network interface 126 may be any standard wired(e.g., USB and/or Ethernet connection) and/or wireless (e.g., IEEE802.11 and/or Bluetooth® technology) communications link for connectingto a network, such as the network 130. Third party servers 128 utilizedby the operators 106, such as, but not limited to: research personnel;medical records sources, such as a web-based HIPAA compliant system; ordoctor's offices, may also connect via the network 130. The network 130may be, for example, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network(LAN), a wireless network, a public telephone network, an intranet, theInternet, or any other means of communication known in the art.

In some embodiments, the one or more client computers 108 that areassociated with the one or more MR devices 102 are in communication witha centralized server via the network 130. More specifically, themagnetic resonance system 100 may include an MR system server 132, whichmay be any centralized computer that is accessible by other computers(e.g., client computers 108) via the network 130 and that is capable ofhosting certain applications that are likewise accessible via thenetwork 130. In one embodiment, the MR system server 132 is acentralized server that may store, collate, and analyze magneticresonance treatment and subject-specific data in order to generate anactionable magnetic resonance treatment recommendation.

In one embodiment, the MR system server 132 includes an MR application134. The MR application may, in certain embodiments, further include anMR web application 136 and/or an MR analysis algorithm 138. An MRdatabase 140 may also reside on the MR system server 132. Stored on theMR database 140 may be a collection of any data that is related tomagnetic resonance system 100, such as, but not limited to, aggregatesubject data 142, aggregate MR device data 144, aggregate treatment data146, and one or more tables of MR reference data 148.

The MR application 134 may be, for example, a custom application formanaging the overall operations of the magnetic resonance system 100.The MR application 134 may manage the operations to store, collate, andanalyze magnetic resonance treatment and subject-specific data in orderto generate an actionable magnetic resonance treatment recommendation.The MR application 134 of the MR system server 132 may also be used todistribute any system data and/or software updates to authorized clientcomputers 108 that are connected to the network 130. The MR application134 may also be used to provide test, troubleshoot, and support servicesand activities.

Additionally, the MR application 134 may facilitate the use of themagnetic resonance system 100 by any authorized system administrator,authorized users of the one or more MR devices 102, and/or authorizedoperators 106 (e.g., general practitioners) of the one or more MRdevices 102. That is, the MR application 134 may handle a security andauthentication function for the magnetic resonance system 100 usingstandard security and authentication methods. The MR web application 136of the MR application 134 may be, for example, a custom web applicationfor accessing and using the MR application 134 of the MR system server132 from a remote location, such as from any authorized client computer108. Additionally, in one embodiment, by use of the MR analysisalgorithm 138, the MR application 134 is able to query and analyzeinformation that resides on the MR database 140 for information that maybe used to develop a magnetic resonance treatment regimen for a certainuser and/or indication.

As described herein, a need exists for a system that can providetreatment to heterogeneous subject populations. For example, in clinicaltrials, the subject populations are very homogenous (with strictinclusion/exclusion criteria involving subject's history andcharacteristics). But, when a drug or treatment is then approved to bepracticed, the subject population is no longer the homogenous clinicaltrial group. Rather, the subject population is a heterogeneous group ofsubjects with any number of a variety of histories, characteristics,sicknesses, diseases, and/or conditions. One way in which embodiments ofthe present invention meet this need is by taking into account this verydiverse population and developing treatment protocols through, forexample, one or more of: the MR database 140, MR analysis algorithm 138,and protocol modification capabilities.

The MR database 140 may be created and maintained by any suitabledatabase software, such as Oracle Database® from Oracle Corporation(Redwood Shores, Calif.). In one embodiment, the MR database 140 storesrelationships between, for example, unique user information, MR deviceinformation, and/or information about certain indications. The contentsof the MR database 140 may be organized in any user-defined relationaldatabase structure.

The aggregate subject data 142 may be a collection of all subject data114 (e.g., user-specific data of subjects 104) from all authorizedclient computers 108 of the magnetic resonance system 100. The aggregatesubject data 142 may be compiled from the subject data 114 that istransmitted from all client computers 108 to the MR system server 132via the network 130. The aggregate subject data 142 may be updated in anongoing fashion as new or updated subject data 114 is received.

The aggregate MR device data 144 may be a collection of all MR devicedata 116 (e.g., MR device-specific data of the MR devices 102) from allauthorized client computers 108 of the magnetic resonance system 100.The aggregate MR device data 144 may be compiled from the MR device data116 that is transmitted from all client computers 108 to the MR systemserver 132 via the network 130. The aggregate MR device data 144 may beupdated in an ongoing fashion as new or updated MR device data 116 isreceived.

The aggregate treatment data 146 may be a collection of all treatmentdata 118 from all authorized client computers 108 of the magneticresonance system 100 for primary and/or secondary indication(s) forwhich the subject is being treated. The aggregate treatment data 146 maybe compiled from the treatment data 118 that is transmitted from allclient computers 108 to the MR system server 132 via the network 130.For example, the aggregate treatment data 146 may include data from oneor more sensors 204, environmental sensors 220, recording devices 206,and magnetic assemblies 208, shown, e.g., in FIG. 2. Further, theaggregate treatment data may include at least one of: subject-reportedoutcomes, physician-reported outcomes, or time, date, latitude and/orlocation of said treatments. In various embodiments, the latitude can bederived from a provided location by using, for example, GPS technology.The aggregate treatment data 146 may be updated in an ongoing fashion asnew or updated treatment data 118 is received.

In one embodiment, the MR reference data 148 is a collection of MRempirical data that may be compiled over time. The MR reference data 148may contain a record of all magnetic resonance treatment regimens andassociated results that have been performed by use of the magneticresonance system 100. The MR reference data 148 may include informationfrom the aggregate subject data 142, aggregate MR device data 144, andaggregate treatment data 146 that is organized in an easily searchablefashion in order to accommodate the search and analysis operations ofthe MR analysis algorithm 138. While the information within the MRreference data 148 may include empirical data that is compiled fromaggregate subject data 142, aggregate MR device data 144, and aggregatetreatment data 146, the MR reference data 148 may also include data thatis scientifically derived. More details of example records that may becontained in the MR reference data 148 are shown in Tables 1a to 1c.Tables 1a to 1c are exemplary and thus is non-limiting.

S = Sex A = Age W = Weight R = Race

TABLE 1a Aggregate Subject Data 1° Subject 2° Subject Record Subect IDIndication Indication S R A W Rec. Habits 1 A-84 Parkinson's Arthritis FAsian 60 110 Smoker 2 A-84 Parkinson's Arthritis F Asian 60 110 Smoker 3A-84 Parkinson's Arthritis F Asian 60 110 Smoker 4 A-84 Parkinson'sArthritis F Asian 60 110 Smoker 5 A-96 Parkinson's Arthritis F Asian 5998 Smoker 6 A-96 Parkinson's Arthritis F Asian 59 98 Smoker 7 A-96Parkinson's Arthritis F Asian 59 98 Smoker 8 A-96 Parkinson's ArthritisF Asian 59 98 Smoker 9 B-21 Parkinson's Arthritis F Asian 63 122 10 B-21Parkinson's Arthritis F Asian 63 122 11 B-21 Parkinson's Arthritis FAsian 63 122 12 B-21 Parkinson's Arthritis F Asian 63 122 13 C-37Parkinson's Arthritis High BP F Asian 55 125 Diabetes 14 C-37Parkinson's Arthritis High BP F Asian 55 125 Diabetes 15 C-37Parkinson's Arthritis High BP F Asian 55 125 Diabetes 16 C-37Parkinson's Arthritis High BP F Asian 55 125 Diabetes 17 C-37Parkinson's Arthritis High BP F Asian 55 125 Diabetes 18 D-58Parkinson's High BP F Asian 61 130 19 D-58 Parkinson's High BP F Asian61 130 20 D-58 Parkinson's High BP F Asian 61 130 21 D-58 Parkinson'sHigh BP F Asian 61 130

TABLE 1b Aggregate MR Treatment 1° Subject 2° Subjective SubjectiveIndication Indication Feedback Feedback Recording Record Being Treatedbeing Treated Sensor Data Subject Physician Device Data 1 Parkinson'sArthritis BP: 110/80; Positive Neutral Rigidity, Slow Tremor rating: 93movement, and mild postural imbalance 2 Parkinson's Arthritis No changesPositive Positive Rigidity, Slow movement, and mild postural imbalance 3Parkinson's Arthritis No changes Positive Positive Rigidity, Slowmovement, and mild postural imbalance 4 Parkinson's Arthritis TremorPositive Positive Reduced Decrease by 5% Rigidity; Slow movement; andmild postural imbalance 5 Parkinson's None BP: 125/75; Neutral NeutralRigidity Tremor rating: 100; 6 Parkinson's None No changes NeutralPositive Rigidity 7 Parkinson's None No changes Positive NeutralRigidity 8 Parkinson's None Blood pressure Positive Positive Rigiditydecrease to 125/75; Tremor decrease by 5%; 9 Back Injury None BP:120/80; Neutral Negative mild postural Tremor rating: 95; imbalance 10Back Injury None Tremor decrease Positive Positive mild postural by 10%imbalance 11 Back Injury None Tremor decrease Positive Positive mildpostural by 10% imbalance 12 Back Injury None Tremor decrease PositivePositive mild postural by 15% imbalance 13 Parkinson's High BP BP:120/80; Negative Negative Normal Tremor rating: 140; 14 Parkinson's HighBP No changes Negative Neutral Normal 15 Parkinson's High BP No changesNegative Neutral Normal 16 Parkinson's High BP No changes NeutralNeutral Normal 17 Parkinson's High BP No changes Positive PositiveNormal 18 Parkinson's High BP BP: 140/90; Neutral Negative Slow movementTremor rating: 155; 19 Parkinson's High BP No Change Neutral NeutralSlow movement 20 Parkinson's High BP BP: 140/110; Negative Negative Slowmovement Tremor rating: 160 21 Parkinson's High BP BP: 140/95; PositivePositive Slow movement Tremor decrease by 4%

TABLE 1c Aggregate MR Device Data Treatment Dev. ID/ Record Protocol #Start/End Date Loc. Type Sess. ID O.S.* 1 101 Start Jan. 2, YEAR 123Main Street 31/7′ 1 See Table 2 2 101 — Jan. 2, YEAR 123 Main Street31/7′ 1 See Table 2 3 101 — Jan. 2, YEAR 123 Main Street 31/7′ 1 SeeTable 2 4 101 End Jan. 2, YEAR 123 Main Street 31/7′ 1 See Table 2 5 101Start Jan. 21, YEAR 456 Broad Street 31/7′ 1 See Table 2 6 101 — Jan.21, YEAR 456 Broad Street 31/7′ 1 See Table 2 7 101 — Jan. 21, YEAR 456Broad Street 31/7′ 1 See Table 2 8 101 End Jan. 21, YEAR 456 BroadStreet 31/7′ 1 See Table 2 9 128 Start Jan. 21, YEAR 789 Cherry Street31/7′ 2 See Table 2 10 128 — Jan. 21, YEAR 789 Cherry Street 31/7′ 2 SeeTable 2 11 128 — Jan. 21, YEAR 789 Cherry Street 31/7′ 2 See Table 2 12128 End Jan. 21, YEAR 789 Cherry Street 31/7′ 2 See Table 2 13 116 StartJan. 21, YEAR 1991 Doggett Road 31/7′ 3 See Table 2 14 116 — Jan. 21,YEAR 1991 Doggett Road 31/7′ 3 See Table 2 15 116 — Jan. 21, YEAR 1991Doggett Road 31/7′ 3 See Table 2 16 116 — Jan. 21, YEAR 1991 DoggettRoad 31/7′ 3 See Table 2 17 116 End Jan. 21, YEAR 1991 Doggett Road31/7′ 3 See Table 2 18 204 Start Jan. 21, YEAR 1874 Russell Avenue 31/7′4 See Table 2 19 204 — Jan. 21, YEAR 1874 Russell Avenue 31/7′ 4 SeeTable 2 20 204 — Jan. 21, YEAR 1874 Russell Avenue 31/7′ 4 See Table 221 206 End Jan. 21, YEAR 1874 Russell Avenue 31/7′ 4 See Table 2

Tables 1a to 1c represents a subset of records that may be the result ofan analysis that is performed by the MR analysis algorithm 138 whendetermining magnetic treatment protocols to recommend to operator 106.For example, Table 1a represents a subset of records containingaggregate subject data; Table 1b represents a subset of recordscontaining aggregate MR treatment; and Table 1c represents a subset ofrecords containing aggregate MR device data. In this step, the MR systemserver 132 processes the request by searching the MR database 140 forlike-situated subjects with similar aggregate subject data 142 includingthe primary subject indication group (e.g., illness or medicaldiagnosis) that the subject is suffering from, the secondary subjectindication group that the subject is suffering from, sex, race, age,weight, and/or recreational habits (e.g., smoker, drug use, alcoholuse). Other factors may include one or more of the time, date, latitudeand location of the magnetic resonance treatment. Additionally, the MRsystem server 132 may search the aggregate MR treatment data 146 such asthe primary indication being treated, the secondary indication(s) beingtreated, the treatment protocol ID number, sensor data, recording devicedata, subjective feedback from subject and general practitioner,clinical measurements, and subject reported outcomes. Additionally, theMR system server 132 may search for MR treatment protocols developed andstored in the MR database 140 by research personnel (not shown in Tables1a to 1c). Afterwards, the aggregate MR device data 144 such asstart/end time of MR treatment, the session ID, the device ID, and theoperational settings which are shown in Table 2 are examined. While thecontents of Tables 1a to 1c are specific to the Parkinson's and/orarthritis subjects example, the contents of Tables 1a to 1c may betailored for any indication and/or condition and for any set of subjectdata, MR device data, and/or treatment data.

TABLE 2 Primary Indication: Parkinson's Disease Treatment Protocol # 101Treat- Device ment ID#/ Fre- Waveform Resonation Step # Type quencyAmplitude Shape Duration 10 31/7′ 10 Hz   0.01 microgauss Sinusoidal 15minutes 16 31/7′ 7 Hz  0.02 microgauss Sinusoidal 25 minutes 04 31/7′ 5Hz  0.03 microgauss Sinusoidal 12 minutes 06 31/7′ 7 Hz 0.025 microgaussSinusoidal 18 minutes

Once a subset of records of interest are identified, the MR analysisalgorithm 138 may determine which record or records most closely matchthe circumstance of a certain subject 104 that is about to receive atreatment via a certain MR device 102. In this way, the MR analysisalgorithm 138 may be used to generate a recommended magnetic resonancetreatment regimen that may be transmitted to a certain client computer108 for execution thereof.

The operational settings of the MR device 102 for each recommendedtreatment protocol are unique to the indication and treatment. Forexample, the MR device 102 may be capable of generating anelectromagnetic field of a specified, but variable, flux density.Further, each MR device 102 may be capable of generating a specified,but variable, frequency. In some embodiments, the MR device 102 may becapable of producing an electromagnetic field with a variety of fluxdensity ranges, including, for example, one or more of the following:from about 1 gauss to 10⁻⁵⁰ gauss, or ranges within this range, such as10⁻³ gauss to about 10⁻⁵⁰ gauss; from about 10⁻¹⁰ gauss to 10⁻⁵⁰ gauss;from about 10⁻²⁰ gauss to 10⁻⁴⁰ gauss; from about 10⁻⁵ gauss to 10⁻¹⁰gauss; or from about 10⁻³ gauss to 10⁻⁶ gauss may be used. Or rangeswithin these ranges may be used.

In some embodiments, the MR device 102 may be capable of producing aflux density window in a variety of ranges, including from about 0.2gauss to about 0.7 gauss. Or, ranges within this range may be used,e.g., from about 0.2 gauss to about 0.6 gauss; from about 0.4 gauss toabout 0.7 gauss; from about 0.3 gauss to about 0.5 gauss; from about 0.2gauss to about 0.4 gauss; or from about 0.2 gauss to about 0.3 gauss. Orranges within these ranges may be used.

In some embodiments, the MR device 110 may be capable of producing afrequency in a variety of ranges, including from about 0 Hertz to about1000 Hertz. Or, ranges within this range, e.g., from about 100 Hertz toabout 900 Hertz; from about 5 Hertz to about 800 Hertz; from about 0Hertz to about 500 Hertz; from about 0 Hertz to about 300 Hertz; or fromabout 10 Hertz to about 100 Hertz may be used. Or ranges within theseranges may be used.

In various embodiments, the preceding ranges may vary depending on thesubject, substance, and/or intended results of the magnetic resonancetreatment regimen. Examples of settings within the specified rangesinclude, but are not limited to: 0.075×10⁻⁶ gauss at 2.1 Hz; 0.032×10⁻⁶gauss at 0.89 Hz to about 0.83 Hz; 0.343×10⁻⁶ gauss at 9.6 Hz; 0.2×10⁻⁶gauss at 2.8 Hz to about 11.2 Hz; 0.3×10⁻⁶ gauss at 0 Hz to about 17.0Hz, more specifically at about 8.4 Hz; and 0.5×10⁻⁶ gauss at 0 Hz toabout 28.0 Hz, more specifically at about 14.0 Hz. Additionally, certainMR devices 102 may be whole body MR devices, meaning MR devices that aresuitably large to resonate the whole body of the subject at one time(e.g., a whole body immersion device).

Table 2 depicts a subset of the device data used to determine thetreatment protocol for a specific indication, in this case, Parkinson'sdisease. Table 2 is exemplary only. In one embodiment, the combinationof treatment steps (steps 10, 16, 04, and 06) form treatment protocol#101 for treatment of Parkinson's disease. The values of these stepscorrespond to the “operational settings” column in Tables 1a to 1c. Thedevice data values are not disclosed to the operator of the respectiveMR device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a magnetic resonancedevice according to one embodiment of the present invention. The MRdevice 102 may include: one or more sensors 204, one or more recordingdevices 206, a magnetic assembly 208, a client computer 108, a coilhousing 210, a magnetometer 212, a compensation network 214, one or morecables 216, an MR driver 218, and one or more environmental sensors 220.Also shown in FIG. 2 are the subject 104 receiving MR treatment and anoperator 106 controlling the MR device 102.

In one embodiment, the magnetic assembly 208 and coil housing 202 aredriven by a separate MR driver 218 that is electrically connected to thecoil housing 202 via one or more cables 216. One or more recordingdevices 206 may be mounted upon the magnetic assembly 208. Also, amagnetometer 212 and a compensation network 214 may be mounted upon thecoil housing 210. FIG. 2 shows a subject 104 that is receiving magneticresonance via MR device 102. A set of sensors 204 may measure thesubject 104 while the subject 104 receives the magnetic resonancetreatment. For example, one or more environmental sensors 220 may bemounted upon coil housing 210. Further, in one embodiment a clientcomputer 108, such as described in FIG. 1, is in communication with theMR driver 218 via an electrical connection.

If the client computer 108 is in physical proximity to the MR device102, then the client computer 108 may be shielded. In one embodiment,the shielding elements (not shown) prevent electromagnetic radiationemanating from the PC from interfering with the operation of the MRdevice 102. For example, a chassis exterior may comprise 20-thousands(0.02″) steel, or 10-thousands (0.01″) mu metal.

In one embodiment, the client computer 108 is primarily used to: (1)request and select treatment protocols from the MR system server 132;(2) capture and submit data related to treatment sessions to the MRsystem server 132; (3) add or update treatment data to the MR systemserver 132; and (4) update system data and software from the MR systemserver 132.

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors 204 and environmental sensors220 are connected to the MR driver 218 through any of a variety ofcommunication means, both wired and wireless (not shown). Wiredconnection means may include wired communication standards such as USBand RS232 among others, while wireless connection examples may includeBluetooth (IEEE 802.15) and Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), among others. Thesensors 204 include measuring devices which have the ability to measureand record physiological data. The sensors 204 can be introduced to thesubject 104 externally or internally and can be used to measure andmonitor biological data. Examples of the sensors 204 include bloodpressure sensor 204 a, perspiration sensor 204 b, and body weight sensor204 c. Examples of the environmental sensors 220 include humiditysensors and temperature sensors (examples not shown). Additionally, theenvironmental sensors 220 can be placed surrounding the MR device 102 tomeasure and monitor external forces that may influence the overall MRtreatment. These measurements can be correlated, stored, and used indeveloping further advancements of MR treatments.

Additionally, data taken from the sensors 204 may include measurementstaken before and/or after a subject receives MR treatment. For example,a subject may be equipped with a heart rate monitor to measure thesubject's heart rate between MR treatments. This data may be entered andstored in the MR database 140.

In one embodiment, the recording devices 206 are connected to the MRdriver 218 through any of a variety of communication means, wired and/orwireless. These devices may have the ability to capture and recordobservational data. Wired connection means may include wiredcommunication standards such as USB, while wireless connection examplesmay include using a wireless transmitter/receiver. Examples of therecording devices 206 include video cameras 206 a, voice recorders (notshown), and motion capture devices (not shown). These measurements canbe correlated, stored, and used in developing further advancements of MRtreatments.

In one embodiment, the magnetic assembly 208 is representative of anymagnetic coil configuration that produces a uniform magnetic field overa specified area of sufficient volume to accommodate a subject 104receiving MR. An operator 106 of the client computer 108 can select adesired MR treatment protocol and send it to the magnetic assembly 208for operation. Different size variations of the magnetic assembly 208may allow the subject 104 to either receive treatment in a localizedarea of their body or receive whole body treatment. Additionally, insome embodiments, the magnetic assembly 208 allows the subject 104 to bein different positions when receiving the MR treatment. For example, thesubject 104 may be in a supine or prone position, sitting position,standing position, in air, or submerged completely or partially in asubstance such as H₂O.

In one embodiment, the magnetic assembly 208, as depicted in FIG. 2,includes a Helmholtz coil that further includes two co-axial 7-footdiameter coils spaced 3.5-feet apart, each coil having 30-turns of30-gauge solid-core copper wire (not shown). However, other dimensioncoils with different number of turns and construction, such as 4 coildesigns or 6 coil designs, are possible in accordance with theinvention. In further embodiments, the magnetic assembly 208 maycomprise one or more planar coils. A planar coil or planar antenna maycomprise a planar spiral that can be used to create a magnetic field.Thus, one or more planar coils may be used in the system to generate thetunable and precise magnetic field Examples of other types of coilssuitable for use in the magnetic assembly 208 include toroidal coils,poloidal coils, Maxwell coils, and solenoids. Various embodiments mayinclude other types of coils, such as modified or multi-axis coils. Someexamples of the types of coils that may be used are shown in FIGS.10a-10o and the accompanying description. In some embodiments, themagnetic assembly 208 is wired in parallel with the compensation network214, and is electrically connected to the MR driver 218, both housedwithin the chassis of the coil housing 210.

In one embodiment, the coil housing 210 is a chassis that provides anenclosure for the magnetic assembly 208 and other components of the MRdevice 102 as shown. The coil housing 210 may provide a platform for thesubject 104 receiving MR to position himself within the magneticassembly 208. The coil housing 210 may be constructed of a non-magneticand non-conductive housing such as fiberglass or composite. A benefit ofsuch construction is that it minimizes magnetic interference with themagnetic assembly 208. The coil housing 210 can be of a variety of sizesand shapes (i.e., form factors) capable of accommodating different sizedand shaped magnetic assemblies 208. For example, in various embodiments,the magnetic assembly 208 can range in size from one inch or less to tenfeet or more. Sizes commonly used in some embodiments include sevenfeet, four feet, and twenty-two inches. In addition, the coil housing210 can also provide means of easily changing the position andorientation of the magnetic assembly 208. For example, in someembodiments, the coil housing may include an articulated mechanical armfor use with coils. In such embodiments, the mechanical arm may beattached to a platform. The platform may also be a structure. Thestructure may be movable, such as a chair, table, bed, or otherstructures. In other embodiments, the mechanical arm may be attached toa wall, ceiling, floor, or other structure.

In one embodiment, the magnetometer 212 is a magnetic sensor thatmeasures the magnetic field between the coils of the magnetic assembly208. The magnetometer 212 may be capable of measuring low-level magneticfields, e.g., in the nano-Tesla range (i.e. 0.1 nT to 100 nT, at 5-10%),and of resolving the magnitude these fields into three orthogonalcomponents (x-y-z). Examples of the magnetometer 212 include the GEMGSMP-20GS, a highly sensitive proton precession gradiometer with twoaligned sensors, which has an RMS resolution of 0.05 pT, to the EcosealMAG-01H, single-axis fluxgate magnetometer with a resolution of 0.1 nT.The use of the magnetometer 212 allows the MR driver 218 to sense theambient magnetic environment and adapting its output to account for thisfield. In some embodiments, the magnetometer 212 is electricallyconnected to the MR driver 218 via the cables 216.

In one embodiment, the compensation network 214 is a resistor andcapacitor network that is matched to the impedance of the magneticassembly 208, and used to negate the reactance of the coil over a smallrange of frequencies, for example, from 0 Hertz to 1000 Hertz.

The one or more cables 216 between the MR driver 218 and the coilhousing 210 may include one or more coil cables. The cables 216 mayinclude a PC communication cable which in this case, is a wiredelectrical connection. In one embodiment, the PC communications cableuses a power over Ethernet (POE) protocol. The PC communications cablemay facilitate communications between the client computer 108 which isshielded (not shown) and the MR driver 218. In one embodiment, the coilcables are short electrical cables that have connectors that provide ananalog signal that powers the magnetic assembly 208, which enables themagnetic assembly 208 to produce the specific magnetic waveform (e.g.,magnitude and frequency) that is required for performing magneticresonance. An example of these coil cables includes a shielded twistedpair that has a 156 Molex connector. Additionally, the cables 216 mayinclude a magnetometer cable that provides a standard digital serialcommunication means, for example, USB or RS232, to enable thecommunication of magnetic field data between the magnetometer 212 andthe MR driver 218. The magnetometer cable may provide power and groundto the magnetometer 212. Preferably, the MR driver 218 is located inclose proximity to the magnetic assembly 208, thereby minimizing thelength of the cables 216 and, therefore, minimizing electrical noise.

In one embodiment, the MR driver 218 is a custom low-level electronicwaveform generator, for use in the MR device 102. In operation, theclient computer 108 may communicate operational commands, such as normaloperation on/off, AC calibration, and DC calibration to the MR driver218 via the cables 216. For normal operation, the client computer 108may further communicate specific magnetic waveform parameters, such aswaveform type (e.g., sinusoidal, rectilinear, square), amplitude (e.g.,1 milli-volt) and frequency (e.g., 10 Hz) to the MR driver 218. Finally,the MR driver 218 possesses shielding elements (not shown) that preventelectromagnetic radiation emanating from the MR driver 218 frominterfering with the operation of the MR device 102, for example, achassis exterior having 20-thousands (0.02″) steel, or 10-thousands(0.01″) mu metal. These determinations may be based upon the type of theMR device 102 (e.g., 7-foot, 4-foot, or 22-inch MR device), the model ofthe MR device (e.g., whole body immersion, partial body immersion), andthe sequencing of the parameters.

In one embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation ofmagnetic resonance system 100 may be summarized as follows. Using theclient computer 108, the operator 106 may select a certain magneticresonance treatment and initiate operation of the MR device 102 for asubject 104 that is suffering, for example, from Parkinson's disease ina hospital or clinical setting. Before starting the magnetic resonancetreatment, using the client computer 108, subject data may be collectedfrom the subject such as the subject's primary and secondaryindication(s) from which the subject is suffering from a disease,stress, pain, injury, or other discomfort. Next, the operator maydetermine the primary and secondary indication(s) for which the subjectis being treated. The operator 106 may then generate user-specific data(e.g., subject data 114) or, optionally, may access user-specific dataof the subject from the aggregate treatment data 146 of the MR systemserver 132 via the network 130 and display this information on theclient computer 108. The operator 106 may also examine the type of theMR device 102 (e.g., 7-foot, 4-foot, or 22-inch MR device), the model ofthe MR device (e.g., whole body immersion, partial body immersion), andthe sequencing of the parameters were used in the prior MR treatments ordetermine what type/model of device should be used during the treatmentsession. Additionally, the operator 106 may input additional subjectspecific data from the subject being treated into the client computer108. Finally, the operator 106 may obtain clinical measurements, subjectreported outcomes, biometric, physiological, and observational data fromthe subject 104 in addition to data from the sensors 204 and recordingdevices 206. The measurement and feedback (i.e., physiological andobservational) data may be captured and stored in the client computer108. A subject may be treated for his primary indication first and thenhis secondary indication(s), or may be treated simultaneously for bothindications utilizing algorithms requiring certain inclusion/exclusioncriteria for amplitude, frequency, wave form, duration and sequencing ofmagnetic field exposures. The operator 106 may make this determinationbased upon the subject data 114 and the treatment data 118.

During treatment, the operator 106 may measure subjective or perceptivedata from the subject 104 in addition to physiological and observationaldata. Subjective information may include, for example, informationrelated to the feelings, perceptions, and opinions of the subject 104.For instance, the subjective inquiries can measure responses from thesubject 104 such as “How do you feel?” or “How is your pain?” In variousembodiments, the feedback can be recorded through various methods. Oneembodiment includes the subject 104 using visual and audible cues. Thesubject 104 can press coded response buttons or type an appropriateresponse a keypad, connected to the client computer 108. Alternatively,the subject 104 can speak into a microphone and the client computer 108will employ speech recognition software to capture the subjective data.

Further to the example, if the subject 104 is a first-time or newsubject who is a 59-year old, 98-pound, Asian female that is seekingtreatment for her primary indication, Parkinson's disease, the MRanalysis algorithm 138 searches the MR reference data 148 for one ormore treatment records that are related to Parkinson's disease and tousers that most closely match a 59-year old, 98-pound, Asian female. Inthis example, the subject 104 is suffering from a primary indication,Parkinson's disease, and a secondary indication, arthritis. However, sheis only being treated for her primary indication, Parkinson's disease.Once at least one substantially matching record of a like-situatedsubject is found, the MR application 134 and/or MR analysis algorithm138 may generate one or more recommended magnetic resonance treatmentprotocols that are based upon the empirical and/or scientific datawithin the MR database 140. In one embodiment, and referring to Tables1a to 1c, the MR analysis algorithm 138 analyzes the MR reference data148 of the MR database 140 and determines that “Record 8” is alike-situated subject. As a result, the MR analysis algorithm 138recommends substantially the same treatment protocol that is logged in“Record 8.”

Subsequently, in one embodiment the selected magnetic resonancetreatment protocol is transmitted from the MR system server 132 to theclient computer 108. The operator 106 may then carry out the treatmentprotocol upon the subject 104 according to the recommended treatmentprotocol. For example, the recommended magnetic resonance treatmentprotocol may specify a certain number and frequency of treatment events.After each magnetic resonance treatment, all related data is updatedlocally at the client computer 108 and/or remotely at the MR systemserver 132.

In another example, where the subject has a primary indication ofParkinson's Disease and a secondary indication of osteoarthritis andwill be treated for both conditions. The subject may begin treatment forPD in a 7′ coil (i.e., whole body immersion) in fields ranging from0.075 to about 0.078 microgauss at 2.1 to 2.2 Hz. The subject may bethen treated for OA in a 22″ coil (i.e., specific body part such as the“knee”) in fields ranging from 0.032 to 0.031 microgauss and 0.27 to0.457 microgauss at 7.5 Hz to about 12 Hz. And finally, the subject mayfinish his or her treatment protocol back in the 7′ coil with the fieldsranging as described above for the beginning of the treatment.

In another example, the subject 104 is a previous or prior subject whois a 60-year old, 110-pound, Asian female. She suffers from a primaryindication of Parkinson's disease and a secondary indication ofarthritis. She is seeking treatment for her primary indicationParkinson's disease and her secondary indication, arthritis. She will betreated for primary indication first and her secondary indication lastduring a treatment session. Both treatments for each indication may usethe following method, although alternate methods may be used.

In one embodiment, the MR analysis algorithm 138 first searches the MRreference data 148 for one or more prior treatment records with positivefeedback for that subject. If unable to locate any of the subject'sprior treatment records with positive feedback, then the MR analysisalgorithm 138 may search for records that are related to the primaryand/or secondary indication(s) and to users that most closely match a60-year old, 110-pound, Asian female. Once the subject's prior treatmentrecord with positive feedback is found, the MR application 134 and/or MRanalysis algorithm 138 may present the recommended magnetic resonancetreatment protocols from that prior positive feedback treatment record.In one embodiment, and referring to Tables 1a to 1c, the MR analysisalgorithm 138 analyzes the MR reference data 148 of the MR database 140and determines that the treatment protocol ID from “Record 4” is themost recent prior positive feedback treatment record for that subject.As a result, the MR analysis algorithm 138 recommends the same treatmentprotocol that is logged in “Record 4.”

Subsequently, the selected magnetic resonance treatment protocol may betransmitted from the MR system server 132 to the client computer 108. Inone embodiment, the operator 106 then carries out the treatment protocolupon the subject 104 according to the recommended treatment protocol anddevice type/model. For example, the recommended magnetic resonancetreatment protocol may specify a certain number and frequency oftreatment events. After each magnetic resonance treatment, all relateddata may be updated locally at the client computer 108 and/or remotelyat the MR system server 132 and a treatment protocol may be generatedfor the next treatment session for that particular subject. Aftercompleting the treatment for the subject's first indication, theoperator 106 may begin treatment for the subject's second indication,either simultaneously (i.e., in the same treatment session) orsequentially (i.e., in a different treatment session, such as adifferent day of treatment).

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating information flow from one or moresensors that are in communication with the subject, environmentalsensors, and/or recording devices to a network according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, information mayflow from the sensors and recording devices to the MR System Server 132via network 130 and the MR driver 218.

In one embodiment, the sensors 204 are representative of one or moresensors, including, for example, biometric sensors that are incommunication with the subject. Biometric sensors may measure andcollect sensor data before, during, and after MR treatment for a varietyof physical parameters including physiological functions. These sensors204 may measure the biological functions of the subject 104 receivingtreatment in the MR device 102. The sensors 204 may include, forexample, a blood pressure sensor 204 a, a perspiration sensor 204 b, abody weight sensor 204 c, a body temperature sensor 204 d, a hapticsglove sensor 204 e, and/or other sensors 204 n to measure additionalphysiological functions such as heart rate, physical strength,electroencephalograph (EEG), electrocardiograph (EKG), and others. Inone embodiment, the MR driver 218 relays this data to the clientcomputer 108 and then to the MR system server 132 via the network 130.This data is stored in the MR database 140 in the MR system server 132.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention may employ sensors 204that relate specifically to the indication or condition of the subject104. For example, the subject 104, suffering from Parkinson's diseasemay employ a haptics glove sensor 204 e to measure the tremor severity,range of movement, speed of movement, finger fractionation, or strengthof movement of the subject 104. The haptics glove sensor may employsensing systems which may comprise one or more of a linear sensor, anabduction angular sensor, a flexion angular sensor and/or a forcesensor. The linear sensor can include a reflective infrared sensor whichis activated by receipt of transmitted infrared waves which arereflected from a mirror attached to a bottom surface of the piston. Theabduction angular sensor and flexion angular sensor can measurerespective motions based on measurement of a magnetic field on twoperpendicular axes. The force sensor can include a strain gauge formeasurement of deformation of the palm base due to pressure applied bythe fingertips. An example of a type of haptics glove sensor that may beused is the “Rutgers Master II-ND” glove described in “Proceedings ofthe 10th Symposium on Haptic Interfaces for Virtual Environment andTeleoperator Systems,” in M. Bouzit, et al. (IEEE Computer Society).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the environmentalsensors 220 may be used to record non-subject specific characteristics,such as air quality, humidity, oxygen level, barometric pressure, lightintensity, and sound.

In one embodiment, the recording devices 206 include a video camera 206a and/or other recording devices 206 n to capture observational data andrecord the subject's 104 response and feedback to an MR treatmentprotocol. In one embodiment, a video camera 206 a is mounted to acquirevideo of subject 104 during treatment. Further, a wireless videoreceiver may receive the video signal from the video camera 206 a; and aPC video/USB adapter may plug into the USB port of the client computer108 and into the wireless video receiver. The MR driver 218 relays thisdata to the client computer 108 and then to the MR system server 132 viathe network 130. This data is stored in the MR database 140 in the MRsystem server 132.

In yet another embodiment, once the data from the sensors 204, recordingdevices 206, and/or environmental sensors 220 is collected, an analog todigital (A/D) adapter (not shown) converts the analog data from thesensor and/or recording device into digital format and transmits it tothe MR driver 218. In some embodiments, the driver may adapt its outputin order to account for the data collected by the sensors 204, recordingdevices 206, and/or environmental sensors 220. The MR driver 218 mayrelay this data to the client computer 108 and then to the MR systemserver 132 via the network 130. In some embodiments, this data is storedin the MR database 140 in the MR system server 132.

In some embodiments, the aggregate treatment data 146 (FIG. 1) mayinclude data from the one or more sensors 204, recording devices 206,magnetic assembly 208, and/or environmental sensors 220 within the MRdevice 102. In one embodiment, this collection of data is alsotransmitted to the MR system server 132 via network 130

For instance, in an embodiment, an analog to digital adapter (not shown)converts data collected from the blood pressure sensor 204 a to digitalformat to MR driver 218. The blood pressure sensor data may then betransmitted to the client computer 108 and stored in the MR systemserver 132 via the network 130.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of providing a magneticresonance treatment to a subject according to one embodiment of theinvention. The method 145 begins with step 150. In this step, anoperator begins a magnetic resonance treatment of a subject. In someembodiments, step 150 comprises at least one of collecting subject data,providing the subject data to a database, querying the database,generating treatment protocols based on a result of the query, providingthe treatment protocols to a processor, selecting a treatment protocolon the processor, initializing a magnetic resonance device, and/orproviding a treatment to the subject according to the selected treatmentprotocol.

The method 145 may proceed to step 155, where the operator updates thetreatment of the subject. In one embodiment, the operator may update thetreatment of a subject at any time after the operator begins thetreatment in step 150. Step 155 may comprise at least one of monitoringthe subject during the treatment, providing subject data to a processor,determining whether a treatment adjustment is needed, and if it isdetermined that the treatment adjustment is needed, identifying theneeded adjustment, identifying a proper treatment protocol, based atleast in part on whether the treatment adjustment is needed, selectingthe treatment protocol on the processor, initializing a magneticresonance device, and/or applying a treatment to the subject accordingto the selected treatment protocol.

The operator may proceed to step 160, where the operator ends thetreatment of the subject. Step 160 may comprise at least one ofcommanding a processor to end the treatment, collecting and storingsubject data on the processor, providing the subject data to a database,querying the database, or generating a future treatment protocol basedon a result of the query.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method 400 of utilizing a magneticresonance treatment system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. As described herein, a need exists for a system that canprovide treatment to heterogeneous subject populations with any numberof a variety of medical histories, characteristics, sicknesses,diseases, and/or conditions. One way in which embodiments of the presentinvention meet this need is by taking into account this very diversepopulation and developing treatment protocols through utilizing, forexample, one or more of: the MR database 140, MR analysis algorithm 138,and protocol modification capabilities. One embodiment meets this needby performing method 400. In one embodiment, method 400 of utilizing theMR system 100 includes the following steps:

Step 402: Acquiring and Storing Subject Data:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the operator 106 of theclient computer 108 acquires and stores subject data 114. The subjectdata 114 may be acquired from third party networks (e.g., web-basedsystems) via the third party server 128. Then, the operator 106 maylogin to the MR application 134 of the MR system server 132 using the MRweb application 136. The operator 106 may ask the subject 104 the reasonhe or she is seeking MR treatment (e.g., questions such as “what bringsyou here today?” or “what caused you to seek treatment today?”). In oneembodiment, the operator 106 may determine the primary and secondaryindication(s) for which the subject is being treated. This may bedifferent than the indication(s) that the subject may be suffering from.Based upon the response by the subject 104, the operator 106 willinitiate a search for that primary indication to be treated. If thesubject 104 has had previous magnetic resonance treatments and wastreated for the same indication, the operator 106 may retrieve priorsubject-specific and MR treatment information of the subject 104 fromthe aggregate subject data 142 and aggregate treatment data 146 on theMR database 140 of the MR system server 132 via the network 130. Onceretrieved, the operator 106 completes subject registration and storessubject-specific information in the subject data 114 of the clientcomputer 108. In some embodiments, the subject-specific informationincludes primary and secondary indication(s) that the subject issuffering from, subject biographical data (e.g., name, address, and dateof birth); past and current subject medical history (e.g., individualand family medical history, and prior methods of treatment); results ofdisease-specific tests such as the Unified Parkinson's Disease RatingScore (UPDRS); and medications currently and previously administered. Inone embodiment, the operator 106 also examines the type of the MR device102 (e.g., 7-foot, 4-foot, or 22-inch MR device), the model of MR device(e.g., whole body immersion, partial body immersion), and the sequencingof the parameters were used in the prior MR treatments. It should benoted that in various embodiments, the MR device 102 can range in sizefrom one inch or less to ten feet or more, and these listed sizes arenot intended to limit the scope of the invention described herein. If nosubject-specific information is present on the MR database 140 for thesubject 104, then the operator 106 may acquire (e.g., by oral or writtenquestionnaire) subject-specific information from the subject 104. In oneembodiment, this information is recorded in the subject data 114 of theclient computer 108.

For example, a subject 104 may be suffering from a primary indication ofParkinson's disease and a secondary indication of arthritis. However,the subject 104 injures his back and seeks MR treatment for only hisback injury. Thus, although the subject 104 is suffering from multipleindications, he may only be treated for his back injury. In which case,the primary indication for which he is being treated is his back injuryand he will not be treated for any secondary indication(s). Thus whenthe operator 106 treats the subject, the operator will determine thatthe primary reason of subject 104 to seek treatment is his back injury.In some embodiments, when seeking recommended treatment protocols the MRanalysis algorithm 138 will search for treatment protocols for theprimary indication for which to be treated (in this example, backinjury) by first searching for positive prior subject treatment records,and then for records with similar primary and secondary indication(s)(in this example, Parkinson's disease and arthritis, respectively) fromwhich the subject is suffering. In such cases one or more specificalgorithms may be utilized to therein effectively treat back injury andnot interfere with the Parkinson's Disease signs and symptoms whichrequire different magnetic treatment parameters. In some cases, it maybe necessary to amend the “back injury” treatment parameters in such amanner so as to include a PD signal protocol in the 7′ coil to concludethe treatment for the back injury. An example of this type of subject isshown in Tables 1a to 1c “Records 9-12.” Method 400 may proceed to step404.

Step 404: Querying and Analyzing Magnetic Resonance Database forPositive Prior Subject Treatment Records and Like-Situated Subjects andSubject Population Trends:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the operator 106 submits arequest for magnetic resonance treatment protocols for the subject beingtreated. The request may be made via the client computer 108 andtransmitted and processed at the MR system server 132. Subsequently, theMR database 140 may be queried and analyzed first for prior subjecttreatment data and then for like-situated subjects (e.g., matchingdiseases with similar test scores or ratings for that particularindication), and subject population trends (e.g., substantially matchinguser information and indications). Method 400 may proceed to step 406.As used herein, a “like-situated subject” is a subject having similarlifestyle habits, gender, ethnicity, diagnosis (including primary and/orsecondary indications), medical history, and/or physicalcharacteristics. As used herein, “subject population trends” may includedata regarding changes in information about a plurality of subjects. Forexample, a subject population trend may include a rate of change in oneor more symptoms over a period of time.

Step 406: Generating Recommended Treatment Protocols Based on Analysisof the Magnetic Resonance Database:

In this step, according to one embodiment, by use of the MR analysisalgorithm 138 and/or MR application 134, recommended magnetic resonancetreatment protocols are generated based on the results from analyzingthe information in the MR database 140. In one embodiment, the MRanalysis algorithm 138 and/or MR application 134 initially searchesprior subject treatment data and if none is found, then searches data oflike-situated subjects. Additionally, the MR analysis algorithm 138 usessubject specific data from prior subject treatment data and then fromlike-situated subjects and subject population trends for that particularillness stored in the MR database 140. Subject population trends mayinclude clinical data for MR treatment protocols for various illnessesprovided by other operators 106, such as research personnel.

In one example, the subject-specific information specifies a 55-yearold, 125-pound, Asian female that is seeking treatment for her primaryindication, Parkinson's disease. She has multiple secondary indications(in this instance, high blood pressure, arthritis, and diabetes). Shewill first be treated for her primary indication, Parkinson's disease.After her treatment for Parkinson's disease is completed, she will thenbe treated for one of her secondary indications (in this instance, highblood pressure). She may be treated for more than one secondaryindication. Therefore, in one embodiment, the MR analysis algorithm 138of the MR system server 132 initially searches the MR reference data 148for her prior subject treatment data and then for one or more treatmentrecords that are related to Parkinson's disease, and to subjects thatmost closely match a 55-year old, 125-pound, Asian female. One exampleof the result of the query that is performed by the MR analysisalgorithm 138 is shown in Tables 1a to 1c, “Records 13-17.” In oneembodiment, if positive prior treatment data is found for that subject,then the MR application 134 and/or MR analysis algorithm 138 of the MRsystem server 132 generates the recommended magnetic resonance treatmentprotocols with the corresponding device type/model from that priorsubject treatment data and transmits the protocol to the client computer108 of the requesting general practitioner as demonstrated in “Row 1A”in Table 3. In Table 3, “Record 1A” may be selected as the record that100% matches this scenario and, thus, a treatment protocol that issubstantially the same as shown in “Record 1A” is recommended. Anexample of how the MR analysis algorithm 138 performs the query isdemonstrated in Method 500, depicted in FIG. 6 and discussed herein.

TABLE 3 Today's Date: February 8, YEAR Subject Recreational PrimaryIndication Secondary Indication(s) ID Age Race Sex Weight (lbs) Habit(s)(subject is suffering from) (subject is suffering from) C-37 55 Asian F125 Smoker Parkinson's Disease Arthritis High BP Diabetes Prior MagneticTherapy Primary Secondary Treatments Device Type: 7′ Subject CurrentIndication Indication (s) Treatment ID Medication To Be Treated To BeTreated Loc. Date Protocol Feedback C-37 1. Lipitor Parkinson's DiseaseHigh BP 1991 Doggett Road 01-21-YY 116 Positive 2. Actonel InitialObservations 1991 Doggett Road 12-05-YY 116 Positive 3. Vioxx 1.Rigidity; 1991 Doggett Road 11-15-YY 103 Neutral 2. Slow Movement 1991Doggett Road 11-08-YY 103 Neutral 3. Mild Posture Imbalance 1991 DoggettRoad 10-24-YY 102 Negative No. of Overall Feedback Ave. sessions ofTreatment Ave. Weight treatment Protocol Row Protocol Loc. Match % Age(lbs) protocol used (% Positive) Primary Subject Indication 1A 116 1991Doggett Road 100% 55.0 125 40 98.6 Group To Be Treated: 1B 102 1991Doggett Road 90.0 56.5 126 42 98.6 Parkinson's Disease 1C 103 1991Doggett Road 80.0 58.8 126 31 95.3 Device Type: 7′ 1D 108 1991 DoggettRoad 70.0 59.6 120 12 92.1 No. of Average sessions Overall FeedbackAverage Weight treatment of Treatment Row Protocol Match % Age (lbs)protocol used Protocol Primary Subject Indication 2A 101 90.0 59.8 10940 96.3 Group To Be Treated: 2B 129 70.0 61.6 106 106 94.1 Parkinson'sDisease 2C 124 70.0 62.4 115 30 92.5 Device Type: 7′ No. of Averagesessions Overall Feedback Treatment Average Weight treatment ofTreatment Row Protocol Match % Age (lbs) protocol used Protocol PrimarySubject Indication 3A 110 70.0 59.1 112 105 87.5 Group To Be Treated: 3B115 60.0 62.3 105 108 83.4 Parkinson's Disease 3C 117 60.0 62.9 104 10481.2 Device Type: 4′ 4A 112 60.0 59.5 112 21 87.3 4B 114 50.0 62.7 10534 82.4 4C 108 50.0 62.8 104 55 87.2

Continuing the example, if no prior subject treatment data is found, butone or more treatment records are found that substantially matchtreatment for Parkinson's disease in combination with users that areabout 55-year old, 125-pound, Asian female, the MR application 134and/or MR analysis algorithm 138 of the MR system server 132 maygenerate one or more recommended magnetic resonance treatment protocolswith the corresponding device type/model that are most suited for thesubject 104 being treated and may transmit the protocol(s) to the clientcomputer 108 of the requesting general practitioner as demonstrated inTable 3. In Table 3, “Record 1B” may be selected as the record that 90%matches this scenario and, thus, a treatment protocol that issubstantially the same as shown in “Record 1B” may be recommended if noprior subject treatment data is available.

Another method of generating recommended treatment protocols withcorresponding device types/models may include administering a “sweep” ofmagnetic resonance treatment protocols for that subject's particularprimary and/or secondary indication(s). This method is known as a “sweepprotocol.” As used herein, in a sweep protocol, MR is applied through arange of parameters (e.g., flux density, amplitude, frequency, orother), often keeping other variables constant. The operator 106 mayadminister a range of magnetic resonance treatment protocols byconducting a “sweep” of treatment protocols using varying parameterswith corresponding device types/models, on the subject being treated andthen selecting the best treatment protocol in response to the feedbackof the subject being treated for that particular illness. In a sweepprotocol according to one embodiment, the amplitude may change through apredefined range of values and the frequency may be held constant. In afurther embodiment, the amplitude value may be held constant and thefrequency may change through a predefined range of values. In yetanother embodiment, both the amplitude and frequency may both changethrough a pre defined range of values. Typically, the values of thetreatment protocols are not disclosed to the operator 106. The magneticresonance treatment protocols administered and the subject feedback iscaptured and then transmitted and/or stored in the MR database 140 forfuture treatment sessions. Subsequently, when the subject returns forfuture treatments, the operator 106 may administer another “sweep” ofmagnetic resonance treatment protocols and/or use the MR analysisalgorithm 138 and/or MR application 134 to generate recommended magneticresonance treatment protocols for that subject's particular illness.

In one example, the subject-specific information specifies a 50-yearold, 130-pound, Asian male that is seeking treatment for his primaryindication, arthritis in the knee. In one embodiment, the operator 106may administer a series of “sweep” magnetic resonance treatmentprotocols using varying parameters while the subject is being treated ina 22-inch MR device. The first sweep may include the followingparameters at 3 minutes each for the following values: 3.300×10⁻⁸ gaussat 0.92375 Hz, 3.299×10⁻⁸ gauss at 0.92347 Hz, 3.298×10⁻⁸ gauss at0.92319 Hz, 3.297×10⁻⁸ gauss at 0.92291 Hz. The second sweep may includethe following parameters at 2 minutes each for the following values:3.43×10⁻⁷ gauss at 9.60400 Hz, 3.34×10⁻⁷ gauss at 9.352 Hz, 3.21×10⁻⁷gauss at 8.988 Hz, 3.03×10⁻⁷ gauss at 8.484 Hz, 2.8×10⁻⁷ gauss at 7.840Hz, and 2.74×10⁻⁷ gauss at 7.700 Hz. The third sweep may repeat the samesteps identified above in the first sweep. In one embodiment, as theoperator 106 administers a “sweep” of magnetic resonance treatmentprotocols, the operator 106 selects the best magnetic resonancetreatment protocol in response to the subject's feedback. The selectedtreatment protocol and subject feedback is transmitted and stored in theMR database 140 for future treatment sessions.

In one example, the subject-specific information specifies a 55-yearold, 140-pound, Caucasian male that is seeking treatment for his primaryindication, diabetic neuropathy. In one embodiment, the operator 106 mayadminister a series of “sweep” magnetic resonance treatment protocolsusing varying parameters while the subject is being treated in a 22-inchMR device. The sweep protocol may include the following parameters at 3minutes each for the following values: 5.00136×10⁻⁷ gauss at 14.00001Hz, 5.00135×10⁻⁷ gauss at 13.99998 Hz, 5.00134×10⁻⁷ gauss at 13.99995Hz, 5.00133×10⁻⁷ gauss at 13.99992 Hz, and 4.9998×10⁻⁷ gauss at 13.997Hz. As the operator 106 administers a “sweep” of magnetic resonancetreatment protocols, the operator 106 selects the best magneticresonance treatment protocol in response to the subject's feedback. Theselected treatment protocol and subject feedback is transmitted andstored in the MR database 140 for future treatment sessions.

In one example, the subject-specific information specifies a 65-yearold, 110-pound, Caucasian female that is seeking treatment for herprimary indication, headache. In one embodiment, the operator 106 mayadminister a series of “sweep” magnetic resonance treatment protocolsusing varying parameters while the subject is being treated in a 7′ coilMR device. The first sweep protocol may include the following parametersat 4 minutes each for the following values: Amplitude remains constantat 3.2×10⁻⁸ gauss while frequencies are changed or “sweeped” from 0.89Hz to 0.83 Hz over 7 incrementally even steps. The second sweep protocolmay include the following parameters at 4 minutes each for the followingvalues: Amplitude is sweeped from 3.1×10⁻⁸ gauss to 3.2×10⁻⁸ gauss overseven incrementally even steps while frequencies are changed or“sweeped” from 0.89 Hz to 0.83 Hz over 7 incrementally even steps. Asthe operator 106 administers a “sweep” of magnetic resonance treatmentprotocols, the operator 106 selects the best magnetic resonancetreatment protocol in response to the subject's feedback. The selectedtreatment protocol and subject feedback is transmitted and stored in theMR database 140 for future treatment sessions.

Other methods of generating recommended treatment protocols withcorresponding device types/models may include artificial intelligenceusing an intelligent agent to perceive its environment. Method 400 mayproceed to step 408.

Step 408: Are Treatment Protocols Available?:

In this decision step, according to one embodiment, if the MR analysisalgorithm 138 and/or MR application 134 recommends magnetic resonancetreatment protocols generated from positive prior subject treatmentrecords and/or analyzing the information in the MR database 140, thenMethod 400 may proceed to Step 410. If the MR analysis algorithm 138and/or MR application 134 cannot generate magnetic resonance treatmentprotocols based on the information in the MR database 140, then Method400 to utilize MR system 100 may end.

Step 410: Initializing Magnetic Resonance Device Operational Settingsand Applying Magnetic Resonance to Subject According to SelectedTreatment Protocol:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the operator 106 reviews oneor more recommended MR treatment protocols and selects the MR protocolthat best fits the subject being treated. An operator may choose arecommended MR protocol or may choose to select another MR treatmentprotocol if that has been providing better results for the subject. Inone embodiment, the MR device 102 is activated in order to applymagnetic resonance to the subject 104 according to selected treatmentprotocol. Examples of operational settings include the flux density,frequency, amplitude, intensity, voltage, waveform shape of theelectromagnetic energy, and the resonation duration is set according toselected treatment protocol. These determinations may be based upon thesize of the MR device 102 (e.g., 7-foot, 4-foot, or 22-inch MR device),the configuration of MR device (e.g., whole body immersion, partial bodyimmersion), and the sequencing of the parameters. It should be notedthat in various embodiments, the MR device 102 can range in size fromone inch or less to ten feet or more, and these listed sizes are notintended to limit the scope of the invention described herein. The MRdevice 102 may be activated according to these settings and magneticresonance is applied. Table 2 demonstrates a subset of MR device datavalues used as operational settings for the MR device 102 after theoperator 106 reviews and selects the MR treatment protocol. These valuesmay not be disclosed to the operator 106. Method 400 may proceed to step412.

Step 412: Monitoring Subject:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the subject 104 is monitoredby, for example, the operator 106 before, during, and/or after a MRsession. The monitoring step may take place using subject measurementand feedback data such as, but not limited to, clinical measurements,subject reported outcomes, sensors, recording devices, and/or othermethods of clinical observations. In one embodiment, the client computer108 displays various operational, physiological (sensor), andobservational (recording device) data it periodically receives from themagnetometer 212, sensors 204, and/or recording devices 206 via the MRdriver 218 as normal operation continues over a period of time. Thesensor data may represent a variety of physical parameters includingphysiological data from subjects being treated with MR, for example,abnormally high blood pressure sensor during MR treatment. The recordingdevice data may represent a variety of observations including symptomswith physical manifestations. In some embodiments, the feedback dataincludes information provided by the patient before, during, and/orafter treatment. Method 400 may proceed to step 414.

Step 414: Are Treatment Adjustments Needed?:

In this decision step, according to one embodiment, the operator 106examines the results of the recommended magnetic resonance treatment anddetermines whether the results are satisfactory, e.g., reduced oreliminated symptoms, improved performance, and so on. Alternatively, inresponse to the subject measurement and feedback data, the operator 106may be prompted to determine whether changes to the operational ortherapeutic parameters are necessary in response to a medicallysignificant event alert. In the event that the subject 104 suffers amedically significant event (i.e. abnormally high heart rate or highblood pressure) during treatment, the client computer 108 may display amedically significant event alert on the display (not shown) of theclient computer 108 and may also automatically cease operation of the MRdevice 102.

Thus, if treatment adjustments are needed, method 400 may return to step406. In some embodiments, the operator 106 selects from the possible MRtreatment protocols generated and the MR device 102 applies the adjustedtreatment protocol. Alternatively, the client computer 108 mayoptionally alter the output of the MR device 102 directly underalgorithmic control by recalculating and communicating new electricalwaveform parameters to the MR driver 218. See “Records 18-21” in Tables1a to 1c for an example of a subject (subject ID: D-58) requiring MRtreatment protocol adjustments during treatment.

If treatment adjustments are not needed, method 400 may proceed to step416.

Step 416: Is it Time to End Treatment?:

In this decision step, according to one embodiment, the operator 106determines whether adjustments of the recommended magnetic resonancetreatment protocol have been satisfied in order to end the treatmentsession. If operator 106 ends treatment, subject data, treatment data,sensor data, and recording device data may be updated and then method400 may proceed to step 418. If the operator 106 of the client computer108 does not end treatment, then method 400 may return to steps 412 and414.

Step 418: Ending MR Treatment:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the operator 106 selects toend the MR treatment. The client computer 108 may then communicate theoperational mode to the MR driver 218, and ends the MR treatmentsession. Method 400 may proceed to step 420.

Step 420: Collecting, Transmitting, and Storing Subject Measurement andFeedback Data to MR System Server for Analysis:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the subject's measurement andfeedback data that is associated with the MR session is stored in thetreatment data 118 of the local client computer 108. Additionally, thetreatment data 118 may be transmitted to the MR system server 132 viathe network 130, whereby the treatment data 118 is integrated into theaggregate treatment data 146 and stored in the MR database 140 foranalysis of possible future MR treatment protocols for the subject beingtreated, future subjects, and for future analysis of subject populationtrends.

The transmission of the treatment data may be done in real time orperiodically, for example in batches, daily, weekly, or monthly. In theevent the client computer 108 does not have a network connection to theMR system server 132, then the client computer 108 will experience adelay when attempting to transmit the treatment data to the MR systemserver 132 via the network 130. Once a network connection isestablished, the client computer 108 may transmit treatment data fromthe storage device 112 in the client computer 108 to the MR systemserver 132 via the network 130. Upon receiving the data, it may beextracted and stored in the MR database 140 and the MR system server 132stores a record of file receipt in the MR database 140 and transmits acopy of the file receipt to the client computer 108 via the network 130.Method 400 may proceed to step 422.

Step 422: Generating Recommended Treatment Protocols for FutureTreatments:

In this step, according to one embodiment, by use of the MR analysisalgorithm 138 and/or MR application 134, recommended magnetic resonancetreatment protocols are generated based on the results from analyzingthe subject's clinical measurements and observations, subject reportedoutcomes, sensor data, recording device and subjective feedback data,and device type/model that is associated with the MR treatment session.Additionally, the MR analysis algorithm 138 may use positive priorsubject treatment records, and/or subject specific data fromlike-situated subjects and subject population trends for that particularillness stored in the MR database 140.

The recommended treatment protocols generated may be stored in the MRdatabase 140 for future treatments. When the same subject returns forfuture treatments, the MR database 140 may recommend prior subjecttreatment protocols and/or like-situated treatment protocols stored inthe MR database 140.

Once the full spectrum of treatments is completed, method 400 ofutilizing MR system 100 may end.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method 500 of querying and analyzinga database according to one embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, a method 500 may query and analyze a MR database forlike-situated subjects and subject population trends for the subject104. This method describes in more detail steps taken during step 404 inFIG. 5. Method 500 of analyzing data and recommending MR treatmentprotocols for subjects includes the following steps:

Step 506: Querying and Analyzing Magnetic Resonance Database forPositive Prior Subject Treatment Records and/or Like-Situated Subjectsand Subject Population Trends:

In one embodiment, method 404 from FIG. 5 begins with step 506. In thisstep, the operator 106 may submit a request for magnetic resonancetreatment protocols for the primary (and possibly later for thesecondary) indication of the subject being treated. The request may bemade via the client computer 108 and transmitted and processed at the MRsystem server 132. Method 500 may proceed to step 508.

Step 508: Searching Magnetic Resonance Database for Treatments ofSubjects with Positive Prior Subject Treatment Records and/or SimilarSubject Biographies/Histories:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the MR system server 132processes the request by searching the MR database 140 initially forpositive prior subject treatment records and then for like-situatedsubjects with similar aggregate subject data including devicetype/model, primary subject indication group (e.g., illness or medicaldiagnosis), secondary indication group, sex, race, age, weight,recreational habits (e.g., smoker, drug use, alcohol use), and then foraggregate MR treatment data such as the treatment protocol ID number,sensor data, recording device data, and subjective feedback from subjectand general practitioner. Method 500 may proceed to step 510.

Step 510: Selecting MR Treatment Protocols with Matching Prior TreatmentHistories and/or Favorable Treatment Histories:

In this step, according to one embodiment, once a subset of records ofinterest are identified, various MR analysis algorithms 138 andmathematical modeling, for example, data mining and trend/statisticalanalysis (e.g., Bayesian, statistical regression analysis, “best fit”analysis methods, expert systems, artificial intelligence) may determinewhich record or records completely match or most closely match thecircumstance of the subject 104 that is about to receive a treatment viaa certain MR device 102. In this way, the MR analysis algorithm 138 maybe used to generate and select a recommended magnetic resonancetreatment protocols with exactly matching and/or most favorabletreatment histories that may be transmitted to the client computer 108for execution thereof.

Additionally, the MR analysis algorithms 138 may perform deterministicand probabilistic calculations to select possible MR treatmentprotocols. Deterministic calculations may include algorithms for which aclear correlation is known between the data analyzed and a givenoutcome. For example, there may be a clear correlation between anindication such as Parkinson's disease, and the data captured by asensor, such as the rate of tremors measured by a haptics glove sensor.Probabilistic calculations involve the correlation between the data anda given outcome. Probabilistic determinations may require an analysis ofseveral possible outcomes and an assignment of probabilities for thoseoutcomes, as for example, determining possible MR treatment protocolsbased on the subject data 114 and aggregate subject data 142. As theamount of analyzed aggregate subject data 142 grows, the recommendedpossible MR treatments may become more accurate based on data patternsand successful treatment outcomes for various illnesses.

In order to identify records of interest, the MR analysis algorithm 138runs a query against the MR database 140 to identify the records thateither match completely or most closely match the subject data 114 ofthe subject 104 as referred to in Step 422. The query follows a systemof steps and then calculates the “match” percentage of the record orrecords to the subject data 114 of the subject 104.

In one example, a 55-year old, 125-lb Asian female subject with primaryindication of Parkinson's disease and multiple secondary indications(arthritis, high BP, and diabetes) (“Subject ID C-37”) is being treatedfor her primary indication and then for her secondary indication(s) withMR treatment. The operator 106 of the client computer 108 may acquireand store Subject ID C-37's subject data 114. The operator 106 maydetermine the primary indication to be treated and then the secondaryindication(s) to be treated. A request for MR treatment protocols totreat the primary indication may be sent by operator 106 to the MRsystem server 132 via the network 130. The MR system server 132 mayprocess the request by the client computer 108. In order to identifyrecords of interest, the MR analysis algorithm 138 may run a queryagainst records in the MR database 140, searching for positive priortreatment protocols that Subject ID C-37 has received in the past(identifying a complete 100% record match) or for subjects withbiographical data and medical histories similar to Subject ID C-37 asshown in records 1-21 as shown in Tables 1a to 1c (identifying a <100%record match).

In one embodiment, to obtain a complete 100% record match, the data fromthe subject's previous treatments in the identified record must matchthe subject data 114 and device type/model of Subject ID C-37. In otherwords, the subject indication group that the subject is suffering from,sex, race, age, weight, and recreational habits from the subject's priortreatments along with the device/type must completely match the subjectdata 114 of Subject ID C-37. In one embodiment, if the prior treatmentdata matches the subject data 114 of Subject ID C-37, then a subquery isrun against the MR database 140 to retrieve the 100% match record fromSubject C-37's prior MR treatment which had an overall positivefeedback. The treatment protocol in this record is then presented to theoperator 106 of the client computer 108 as a recommended MR treatmentprotocol. A demonstration of this example is shown as Record 17 inTables 1a to 1c, where the subject indication group, sex, race, age,weight, recreational habits, and device type/model from Subject IDC-37's prior treatment completely matches the subject data of Subject IDC-37, and Record 17 contains positive feedback to the MR treatment fortreatment protocol #116. Therefore, treatment protocol #116 is presentedto the operator 106 of the client computer 108 as a recommended MRtreatment protocol as shown in Table 3.

In one embodiment, in the event that the MR analysis algorithm 138 isnot able to identify a 100% record match to data from the subject'sprior treatment, the MR system server 132 defaults, and may runsubqueries against the MR database 140 to identify historical recordswith positive feedback or results which closely match the subject data114 as referred to in Step 422. The subqueries may run by searchinglimited portions of matching data (i.e. 90%, 80%, 70% of the aggregatesubject and treatment data) against the MR database 140 in order to seekclose match historical records with positive feedback. For example, thefirst subquery may eliminate “race” data as part of its search and runby searching for records that only match 90% of the data such as thesubject indication group, sex, age, weight, and recreational habits ofthe subject being treated for treatment protocols that have receivedoverall positive feedback. If records containing treatment protocolsthat have received overall positive feedback are found to have a certaindegree of matching, an additional subquery is run to rank and qualifythose treatment protocols in these records by the number of sessionseach treatment protocol was used. The treatment protocol used in thehighest number of treatment sessions with overall positive feedback maybe qualified as a GOOD match, and the treatment protocol used in theleast number of treatment sessions may be qualified as a POOR match.

For example, after running a query for historical records with positivefeedback or results, the MR database 140 is unable to identify any BESTmatching records, so a subquery is run using 90% of matching dataagainst the MR database 140. This search results in 40 close matchedrecords containing treatment protocols that have received overallpositive feedback or results. A subquery is run to rank and qualify thetreatment protocols in each of those 40 records to identify thetreatment protocol used in the highest number of sessions and thetreatment protocol used in the lowest number of sessions. The MRdatabase 140 identifies treatment protocol #102 as a GOOD match wherewas it used in 42 treatment sessions (the treatment protocol used in thehighest number of sessions) and identifies treatment protocol #108 as aPOOR match where was used in only 12 treatment sessions. Therefore,treatment protocol #102 may be presented to the operator 106 of theclient computer 108 as a recommended MR treatment protocol with a GOODmatch.

Additionally, in the case that there are no close matched historicalrecords with positive feedback or results when using 90% of theaggregate subject and treatment data, then, in one embodiment, asubquery is run to look for historical records with positive feedbackusing 80% of the aggregate subject and treatment data. Thus,“recreational habits” data may be eliminated as part of the search. Ifthe MR database 140 fails to find closely matched historical recordswith positive feedback with this portion of data, then 70% of theaggregate subject and treatment data is used, eliminating “sensor” data.In the case that there are no closely matched historical records withpositive feedback using 70% of the aggregate subject and treatment data,then 60% of the aggregate subject and treatment data is used and a limitis placed on the age using an age range to search the records that are±5 years from the age of the subject being treated. If no close matchedhistorical records with positive feedback can be located, the subqueriesmay continue to eliminate other portions of the data such as weight,feedback, and subject indication group. If no close matched historicalrecords with positive feedback can be found, then a new record may becreated.

The set of queries and subqueries described above are but one example ofmany different methods that could be used to find a “best match” and theintent is to provide a thorough example, without limiting the disclosureto this specific implementation. Method 500 may proceed to step 512.

Step 512: Transmitting and presenting recommended MR treatment protocolsto operator for selection: In this step, according to one embodiment,one or more recommended MR treatment protocols with positive priortreatment protocols and/or favorable treatment histories determined bythe MR analysis algorithms 138 are transmitted and presented to theoperator 106 of the client computer 108. This data is shown in Table 3and may include, for example, the applicable subject indication group(s)that the subject is suffering, the percent that the recommended MRtreatment protocol matches the subject data 114 of the subject 104, theaverage age and weight of like-situated subjects with similarbiographies/histories, the number of sessions the recommended MRtreatment protocol was used, the overall feedback of the recommended MRtreatment protocol, and the device type/model. Additionally, subjectspecific data of the subject being treated, including the age, weight,subject indication group, prior MR treatment protocol data withfeedback, currently administered medications, and initial visualobservations made by the operator 106 would be displayed to give theoperator 106 the ability to review the recommended MR treatmentprotocols with respect to the subject's current condition.

For example, a 55 year old Asian female subject with a primaryindication of Parkinson's disease and secondary indications of highblood pressure, arthritis, and diabetes (“Subject ID C-37”) is beingtreated first for Parkinson's disease and then for high blood pressurewith MR treatment. In one embodiment, a request for MR treatmentprotocols to treat the primary indication is sent by the operator 106 ofthe client computer 108 to the MR system server 132 via the network 130.The MR system server 132 may process the request from the clientcomputer 108 by searching the MR database 140 for prior treatmentprotocols that Subject ID C-37 has received in the past and for subjectswith biographical data and medical histories similar to Subject ID C-37as shown in Tables 1a to 1c, and analyzing this data with the MRanalysis algorithms 138 to determine MR treatment protocols. In oneembodiment, the operator 106 is presented with recommended MR treatmentprotocols with matching device type/model as demonstrated in Table 3.

Table 3 shows the data used by the MR system server 132 in oneembodiment of the invention to process the request by the clientcomputer 108. In this example, subject C-37's age, race, sex, weight,recreational habits, current medications, subject primary and secondaryindication groups from which the subject is suffering, initialobservations, prior MR treatment protocols, device type/model, and theprimary and secondary indication(s) to be treated is displayed above therecommended treatment protocols. In one embodiment, these data fieldsare used by the MR system server 132 to search for recommended treatmentprotocols. In addition to recommending treatment protocols, the MRsystem server 132 presents the percentage of how close each treatmentprotocol matches the data fields of the current subject being treated,the average age and weight of subjects who were treated with thisrecommended treatment protocol, the number of sessions this recommendedtreatment protocol was used, and the overall percentage of positivefeedback when using this recommended treatment protocol.

For example in Table 3, after the MR system server 132 analyzes the datafields of subject C-37 listed above the recommended treatment protocolssection and the MR analysis algorithms 138 determines the recommendedtreatment protocols, the MR system server 132 presents the recommendedtreatment protocols which best matches subject C-37 for the primaryindication she is suffering from, Parkinson's disease. “Record 1A,” inthe primary indication group: Parkinson's disease for device type/model:7′ in Table 3 shows a record with an exact 100% match, identifying aprior treatment protocol (protocol #116) with positive feedback used bySubject ID C-37. Next, “Record 1B,” shows the best closely matchedtreatment protocol, protocol #102, that MR system server 132 recommendsshould be used to treat subject C-37. In addition, “Record 1B,” providesthe percentage of how close protocol #102 matches the data fields ofsubject C-37 (90.0% match), the average age of subjects who were treatedwith protocol #102 (59.5 years old), the average weight of subjects whowere treated with protocol #102 (126 lbs.), the number of sessionsprotocol #102 was used (40 times), and the overall percentage ofpositive feedback when using protocol #102 (98.6% positive feedback).“Records 1C and 1D” provide treatment protocols that may match subjectC-37's data fields (for example, protocol #103 has an 80.0% match andprotocol #104 has a 70.0% match), but are not the best treatmentprotocols for treating subject C-37.

In addition, in one embodiment, the MR system server 132 presents therecommended treatment protocols from subjects who suffer from subjectindication groups common to subject C-37 in Table 3. For example, inrecords 2A-4C, the MR system server 132 recommends treatment protocolsas well as the percentage of how close each treatment protocol matchesthe data fields of the current subject being treated, the average ageand weight of subjects who were treated with this treatment protocol,the number of sessions this treatment protocol was used, and the overallpercentage of positive feedback when using this treatment protocol fromsubjects suffering from Parkinson's disease as a primary indication.Method 500 may proceed to step 406 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method of alerting an operator andclient computer of a medically significant event according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a method 600may alert an operator 106 of a client computer 108 of a medicallysignificant event based on subject measurement and feedback datacaptured during MR treatment. This method describes in more detail stepstaken during steps 410-416 in FIG. 5. Method 600 of alerting an operator106 of a client computer 108 of a medically significant event based onsubject measurement and feedback data captured during a MR treatmentsession includes the following steps:

Step 612: Transmitting subject measurement and feedback data: In thisstep, the client computer 108 displays various operational,physiological (e.g., sensor), and observational (e.g., clinicalmeasurements, subject reported outcomes, recording device) data itperiodically receives from the magnetometer 212, sensors 204, recordingdevices 206, subject 104, and/or operator 106 via the MR driver 218 asnormal operation continues over a period of time during a MR treatmentsession with a corresponding device type/model for the subject 104. Thesubject measurement and feedback data is transmitted from the clientcomputer 108 to the MR system server 132 via the network 130. Thesubject measurement and feedback data may also be acquired from thirdparty networks via third party server 128. Method 600 may proceed tostep 614.

Step 614: Analyzing Subject Measurement and Feedback Data:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the MR application 134 in theMR system server 132 processes and analyzes the raw data by comparingthe captured data to a fixed range of values. If the captured dataexceeds or falls below the fixed range of values, the MR system server132 may transmit an alert to the client computer 108 via the network130, advising the client computer 108 that the subject being treatedwith MR may be experiencing a medically significant event. In oneexample, a subject is being treated with MR for Parkinson's disease andhis blood pressure rises to 145/95 during treatment. This raw data maybe captured, for example, by one or more of the sensors 204, such as theBlood Pressure Sensor 204 a. The data may be transmitted to the MRdriver 218. Subsequently, the MR driver 218 may transmit the data to theclient computer 108. In one embodiment, the client computer 108transmits this data to the MR system server 132 via the network 130. TheMR system server 132 may process the raw data and compare the capturedblood pressure 145/95 to the fixed range of values for normal bloodpressure (less than 120/less than 80), initiating an alert. Method 600may proceed to step 616.

Step 616: Alerting Operator and Client Computer of Medically SignificantEvent:

In this step, according to one embodiment, upon recognizing a medicallysignificant event, the MR system server 132 sends an alert to the clientcomputer 108 via the network 130, and advises the client computer 108that the subject being treated is experiencing a medically significantevent. In response to the medically significant event alert, theoperator 106 may be prompted by the client computer 108 to determinewhether changes to the operational or therapeutic parameters arenecessary. Additionally, the client computer 108 may automatically ceaseoperation of the MR device 102. Method 600 of alerting an operator 106and client computer 108 of a medically significant event based onsubject measurement and feedback data captured during MR treatment mayproceed through Steps 412, 414, and/or 416 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method of capturing and storingsensor data according to one embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, a method 700 may capture and store subject measurementand feedback data. Method 700 of capturing and storing subjectmeasurement and feedback data may include the following steps:

Step 702: Acquiring and Presenting Subject Data:

In this step, according to one embodiment, subject data 114 is acquiredand presented. For example, the operator 106 may login to the MRapplication 134 of the MR system server 132 using the MR web application136. The subject data 114 may be acquired from third party networks viathe third party server 128. If the subject 104 has had previous magneticresonance treatments, the operator 106 may retrieve subject-specificinformation of the subject 104 from the aggregate subject data 142 andits corresponding device type/model on the MR database 140 of the MRsystem server 132 via the network 130. Method 700 may proceed to step704.

Step 704: Attaching and Starting Sensors and Recording Devices:

In this step, according to one embodiment, an operator 106 attaches oneor more sensors 204 and recording devices 206 within the magneticassembly 208. The sensors 204 and recording device 206 may be attachedexternally or internally to the subject 104 being treated on a platformprovided by the coil housing 210 or on the MR device 102 or sensors thatare not attached to the subject, such as environmental sensors, may beused. Method 700 may proceed to step 706.

Step 706: Pre-Treatment Collection and Storing Measurement and FeedbackData:

In this step, according to one embodiment, an operator 106 of a clientcomputer 108 collects the sensor and recording device data from one ormore sensors 204 and recording devices 206 via the MR driver 218 beforethe subject 104 receives MR treatment. Additionally, the operator 106may collect subject reported outcomes and clinical measurements from thesubject 104. This data is referred to as the subject's measurement andfeedback data (e.g., the sensor and recording device data, the subjectreported outcomes, and the clinical measurements). In some embodiments,the subject's measurement and feedback data is then transmitted from theMR driver 218 to the client computer 108 and stored in the treatmentdata 118 in the storage device 112 on the client computer 108. Thesubject's measurement and feedback data may also be transmitted andstored on third party networks via the third party server 128. Method700 may proceed to step 708.

Step 708: Starting MR Treatment:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the client computer 108applies the MR treatment protocol for the corresponding devicetype/model selected by the operator 106. The client computer 108 maythen communicate the operational mode to the MR driver 218 via one ormore cables 216 in the MR device 102, to apply and start the selected MRtreatment protocol. Method 700 may proceed to step 710.

Step 710: Collecting and Storing Measurement and Feedback Data During MRTreatment:

In this step, according to one embodiment, during a subject's MRtreatment session, the client computer 108 receives data from the one ormore sensors 204 and recording devices 206 via the cables 216 by meansof the MR driver 218 as previously described. Additionally, the operator106 may collect subject-reported outcomes and clinical measurements fromthe subject 104. In one embodiment, the subject's measurement andfeedback data is stored as treatment data 118 in the storage device 112on the client computer 108. The subject's measurement and feedback datamay be also be stored on third party networks via the third party server128. Method 700 may proceed to step 712.

Step 712: Ending MR Treatment:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the display on the clientcomputer 108 prompts the operator 106 to end the MR treatment. Theoperator 106 of the client computer 108 may select to end the MRtreatment session. In one embodiment, the client computer 108 thencommunicates the operational mode to the MR driver 218 via the cables216 in the MR device 102, to end the MR treatment protocol. Method 700may proceed to step 714.

Step 714: Post-Treatment Collection and Storing Measurement and FeedbackData:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the client computer 108collects data from the one or more sensors 204 and recording devices 206via the MR driver 218 after the subject receives MR treatment.Additionally, the operator 106 may collect subject reported outcomes andclinical measurements from the subject 104. In one embodiment, thesubject's measurement and feedback data is then transmitted from the MRdriver 218 to the client computer 108 and stored as treatment data 118in the storage device 112 on the client computer 108. The subject'smeasurement and feedback data may also be transmitted and stored onthird party networks via the third party server 128. Method 700 mayproceed to step 716.

Step 716: Transmitting and Storing Measurement and Feedback Data forAnalysis:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the subject's measurement andfeedback data stored as treatment data 118 in the client computer 108from the subject 104 before, during, and/or after the MR treatmentsession, is transmitted to the MR system server 132 via the network 130.Alternatively, the subject measurement and feedback data may betransmitted from the client computer 108 to the MR system server 132 viathe network 130 in “real time” as the sensor and recording device datais collected and transmitted to the client computer 108.

In this step, according to one embodiment, the subject's measurement andfeedback data collected from the subject before, during, and/or afterthe MR treatment is stored in the MR database 140 for analysis ofpossible MR treatment protocols for the subject being treated, futuresubjects, and/or for future analysis of subject population trends. Thesubject's measurement and feedback data may also be transmitted andstored on third party networks via the third party server 128. Method700 of capturing and storing subject measurement and feedback data mayend.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method of subscribing to researchdata or receiving data via a prescription according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. In this embodiment, a method 800 may allow a userto subscribe to research data of one or more MR treatment protocols forspecific indications on the MR website hosted by MR system server 132.Further, the method 800 may allow a user to receive data that has beenprescribed for him or her. The data of MR treatment protocols may beprovided to the MR system server 132 in any of a variety of ways thatcomport with federal and state privacy laws, such as HIPAA. One way inwhich data may be provided to the MR system server 132 is by a subjectsigning a waiver authorizing his or her medical data to be released.Method 800 of subscribing to research and data of MR treatment protocolsfor specific indications on the MR website hosted by the MR systemserver 132 includes the following steps:

Step 802: Request Access to Content:

In this step, according to one embodiment, an operator 106 of the clientcomputer 108 or a third party server 128, such as research personnel orthird party networks, requests access to content via the network 130 onan MR website hosted by the MR system server 132. Method 800 may proceedto step 804.

Step 804: Can the Requested Content be Viewed by Prescription HoldersOnly?:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the MR system server 132determines if the content requested by the client computer 108 is onlyaccessible by prescription holders. If the content is accessible onlywith a prescription, then the method 800 may proceed to Step 806. If thecontent is accessible without a prescription, then the method 800 mayproceed to Step 810.

Step 806: Does the Operator or Subject have a Prescription for theRequested Content?:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the MR system server 132determines whether the operator 106 of the client computer 108 or thesubject 104 has a prescription to access the requested content. Ifneither the operator 106 of the client computer 108 nor the subject 104has a prescription to the requested content, then method 800 may end. Ifthe operator 106 of the client computer 108 or the subject 104 has acurrent prescription to the requested content, then method 800 mayproceed to Step 808.

Step 808: Accessing and Presenting the Requested Content:

In this step, according to one embodiment, an operator 106 of the clientcomputer 108 accesses the requested content. The requested content thatis not password-protected and open to the public may be initiallypresented to the operator 106 of the client computer 108. However, ifthe requested content requires user name and password because it isunder subscription, then the operator 106 of the client computer 108 mayenter his user name and password and submit it to the MR system server132 via the network 130. In one embodiment, the MR system server 132processes his request, and presents the requested content to the clientcomputer 108 via network 130. Method 800 of subscribing to research anddata of MR treatment protocols and/or device types/models for specificindications on the MR website hosted by MR system server 132 ends.

Step 810: Can the Requested Content be Viewed by Subscription HoldersOnly?:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the MR system server 132determines if the content requested by the client computer 108 is onlyaccessible by subscription holders. If the content is accessible with asubscription, then the method 800 may proceed to Step 812. If thecontent is accessible without a subscription, then the method 800 mayproceed to Step 808.

Step 812: Does the Operator have Subscription Rights to the RequestedContent?:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the MR system server 132determines whether the operator 106 of the client computer 108 hassubscription rights to access the requested content. If the operator 106of the client computer 108 does not have subscription rights to therequested content, then method 800 may proceed to Step 814. If theoperator 106 of the client computer 108 has current subscription rightsto the requested content, then method 800 may proceed to Step 808.

Step 814: Registering the Operator for a Subscription:

In this step, according to one embodiment, the operator 106 of theclient computer 108 can renew an expired subscription or purchase a newsubscription from the MR system server 132. The operator 106 of theclient computer 108 may fill out and submits a registration form to theMR system server 132 via the network 130. In some embodiments, theregistration form includes one or more of: the name, company ororganization name, address, phone number, job title, the indicationswhich interest the operator 106, and other biographical data. The MRsystem server 132 may store the operator's 106 registration informationin the MR database 140. Afterwards, the MR system server 132 presentsthe client computer 108 with options to purchase various subscriptionsto content related to specific indications and/or device types/models.For example, a researcher working for the ABC Foundation for Parkinson'sResearch, may only want to purchase a subscription to gain access toresearch and data for MR treatment protocols and corresponding devicetypes/models related to Parkinson's disease. Additionally, organizationssuch as the National Institute of Health (NIH), one of the world'sforemost medical research centers, may want to purchase multiplesubscriptions for all types of indications and device types/models topromote research for better MR treatment protocols in those differenttypes of indications. Method 800 may proceed to Step 816.

Step 816: Purchasing a Subscription:

In this step, according to one embodiment, an operator 106 of the clientcomputer 108 selects subscription(s) and submits the selection to the MRsystem server 132 via the network 130. The MR system server 132 maypresent the client computer 108 with an agreement between the operator106 of the client computer 108 and the MR system server 132 including acommitment by the operator 106 of the client computer 108 to purchasethe subscription(s) from the MR system server 132 at a specified priceand for a fixed duration. In one embodiment, after the operator 106 ofthe client computer 108 accepts the agreement, the MR system server 132receives the acceptance from the client computer 108 and processes therequest. Then the MR system server 132 presents the client computer 108with the details of the purchase, including the terms of thesubscription, the purchase price, and/or the methods of payment. Theoperator 106 of the client computer 108 may accept the terms of thesubscription, select the method of payment, and submit the payment tothe MR system server 132.

In one embodiment, a transaction of funds takes place between the clientcomputer 108 and the MR system server 132 when the MR system server 132processes the payment for the purchase price which formed the basis ofthe transaction, and withdraws the purchase price from an accountmaintained by the operator 106 of the client computer 108 (e.g., creditcard account, checking account, or savings account). Afterwards, the MRsystem server 132 may transmit a confirmation number and activate theoperator 106 name and password of the operator 106 of the clientcomputer 108 so that the operator 106 of the client computer 108 canaccess the content from the purchased subscription. For example, aresearcher studying Parkinson's disease may purchase the Parkinson'ssubscription package for a fixed price and duration. In one embodiment,the researcher pays the purchase price with a credit or debit card andsubmits the account number, expiration date, and other pertinentinformation to the MR system server 132 to process his payment. In otherembodiments, the purchase price may be paid with any other method ofpayment, such as a purchase order, check, etc. Next, the MR systemserver 132 processes the payment and activates the researcher's username and password so that he can access the content from the recentlypurchased subscription. Method 800 may proceed to Step 808.

The present invention includes several embodiments. In accordance withone embodiment of the invention, operator 106 updates, verifies, andstores subject-specific information in MR database 140. In thisembodiment, the operator 106 inputs or updates subject-specificinformation for the subject 104 on the client computer 108. After theclient computer 108 submits the subject-specific information, the MRapplication 134 in the MR system server 132 verifies thesubject-specific information. If the subject specific informationsubmitted by the client computer 108 does not match the subject-specificinformation stored in the MR database 140, then the existingsubject-specific information may be updated according to rules of the MRapplication 134 in the MR system server 132.

If a new subject is being treated with MR device 102, an operator 106 ofthe client computer 108 may input the subject's current subject-specificinformation. The MR system server 132 can then attempt to verify thesubject-specific information submitted by the client computer 108. Ifthe MR system server 132 cannot locate the subject-specific informationsubmitted by the client computer 108, then an alert may be sent to theclient computer 108, asking if the subject is new and if a new fileshould be created for the subject. Upon acceptance by the clientcomputer 108, the MR system server 132 can create a file for the newsubject. After the subject-specific information may be verified andupdated for a new or existing subject, the subject-specific informationis stored in MR database 140 in MR system server 132.

In another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, one ormore operators 106 such as research personnel can update or add newtreatment protocol data for a corresponding device type/model to the MRsystem server 132. An operator 106 of the client computer 108 may haveauthorized access to the aggregate treatment data 146 based onauthentication and subscription rights as previously described in Step810. Based on their access level they may be presented with the subjectindication group being treated, and limited treatment session data, suchas the identity (type/model) of the MR treatment device, the treatmentprotocol(s) used during MR treatment, and general subjective feedbackprovided from the MR treatment.

In one example, an operator 106 such as a clinician, may incorporate theaggregate treatment data 146 into ongoing research for specific ormultiple indications or may begin developing new treatment protocols fortreating specific primary indication or multiple primary indications aswell primary indications in combination with secondary indication(s) forcorresponding device types/models. The clinician may be researchingParkinson's disease and may have access to the aggregate treatment data146 related to Parkinson's disease. He may review the data andincorporate it into his existing case study or trial to continuedeveloping better MR treatment protocols by analyzing test cases andverifying the clinical accuracy of the MR treatment protocol data.

In another example, after reviewing the aggregate treatment data 146related to Parkinson's disease, a clinician may begin developing MRtreatment protocols that treat subjects suffering from Parkinson'sdisease and other indications, for example, Parkinson's disease and LouGehrig's disease. In yet another example, an operator 106 may havesubscriptions to all the aggregate treatment data 146 for multipleindications and device types/models, and may decide to begin developingMR treatment protocols for entirely new indications that have yet to betreated with MR treatment. As additional clinically satisfactory MRtreatment protocols are added to the MR database 140, the MR systemserver 132 is able to recommend improved possible MR treatment protocolsfor all device types/models.

The factors taken into consideration which assess clinicallysatisfactory MR treatment protocols may include the subject indicationgroup being treated, the device type/model, the MR treatment protocolbeing used, and/or the degree of testing required to approve the MRtreatment protocol. One factor may be the regulatory requirements of therelevant governing authority. For example, in the United States, thesubject treatment protocol data may require meeting a more stringentstandard, such as Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval or clinicalacceptance when conducting rigorous tests to treat certain indications,such as Parkinson's disease. But other uses, such as some that promotegeneral health, wellness, and well-being may not require FDA approval.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the operator 106services and updates the MR device 102. During scheduled maintenanceperiods, an operator 106 of the client computer 108 such as servicepersonnel, requests the MR system server 132 via the network 130 fordata/software updates and/or system diagnostics. If data/softwareupdates are available then the MR application 134 in the MR systemserver 132 processes the request for data/software updates and transmitsthe updated data and software to the client computer 108 via the network130 and then downloads the updates on the MR driver 218 via cables 216.

In another example, an operator 106 of the client computer 108 performssystem diagnostics and tests the operation of the MR device 102 bysending a request for system diagnostics to the MR driver 218 via one ormore cables 216. After the operational tests are completed, the operator106 reviews the results of the system diagnostics of the MR device 102and makes necessary adjustments to the components or software of the MRdevice 102. For example, the operator 106 may adjust the AC Calibrationlevels (e.g., voltage, current, frequency values) (not shown) or the DCcalibration levels (not shown). Upon completion, the service data istransmitted from the MR driver 218 to the client computer 108 and storedin the storage device 112.

In yet another embodiment, the operator 106 services and updates theclient computer 108. During scheduled maintenance periods, an operator106 of the client computer 108 requests the MR system server 132 via thenetwork 130 for data/software updates for the client computer 108. Ifdata/software updates are available, then the MR application 134 in theMR system server 132 processes the request for data/software updates.The MR system server 132 transmits update files to the client computer108 via the network 130. Upon receipt of the data/software updates, theclient computer 108 installs and tests the installation of the updatefiles via the processor 114 in the client computer 108. Afterwards, theclient computer 108 stores the record of the update in the storagedevice 112 in the client computer 108.

In yet another embodiment, an operator 106 of the client computer 108,such as a subject 104, may operate the MR device 102 remotely withoutthe need to interact with an additional operator such as, but notlimited to, a general practitioner. For example, a general practitionermay approve a prescription for a recommended magnetic resonancetreatment protocol that is generated at the MR system server 132 andprescribe the subject 104 to receive this recommended treatment. The MRdevice 102 may be a portable or stationary device. The subject will havethe flexibility of initiating and receiving this treatment by using theclient computer 108 to operate the MR device 102 at his/her convenience.

In another example, a general practitioner may pre-program a portable orstationary MR device 102 with a recommended MR treatment that isgenerated at the MR system server 132. The subject 104 can operate thepre-programmed MR device 102 and receive the prescribed treatment at hisor her convenience.

Magnetic Assemblies According to Various Embodiments

In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly comprises one or more coils.The coils may be arranged in a variety of ways. Some examples aredepicted in FIGS. 10a through 10o , and are described herein.

FIGS. 10a through 10o depict magnetic coil assemblies 208 a through 208o suitable for use as magnetic assembly 208 in MR device 102 inaccordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodimentsinclude various types of coils, which may include modified and/ormulti-axis coils. Generally, the subject is positioned between at leasttwo sets of coils to receive MR.

According to some embodiments, each magnetic assembly (e.g., such asthose depicted as 208 a through 208 o) produces a magnetic fieldproportional to the electric current within it, over a volume sufficientto accommodate a magnetic therapy subject, which may be an entireperson, a human limb or other body part, or any living or inanimateobject. The scope of the present invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments of magnetic assembly 208 a through 208 o asexpressly depicted in FIG. 10a through 10o , but also pertains to anycombination of these, any combination of any sub-components of any ofthese assemblies that produces a magnetic field, or any magneticassembly or combination of magnetic assemblies known in the art.

In some embodiments, each magnetic assembly 208 a through 208 o includesa number of magnetic elements. For example, a magnetic assembly maycomprise a magnetic coil or plate that produces magnetic flux. In thecase of a coil, each coil possesses a single or multiple windings. Inone embodiment, the coil comprises a coil consisting of 30-turns of30-gauge solid-core copper wire (not shown) having a diameter rangingfrom three inches to twelve feet or more. In the case of a plate, eachplate may be constructed of a conductive material, such as copper, or amagnetic material such as ferrite.

However, coils and plates other than those depicted in 208 a through 208o, are possible in accordance with the present invention. In variousembodiments, the relative orientations of the coils in each magneticassembly 208 a through 208 o, described in the following as “parallel”or “perpendicular”, is configurable, such that the physical orientationof the coils is adjustable to any relative angle.

In various different embodiments (not shown), each magnetic assembly 208a through 208 o is electrically connected to MR driver 218, andoptionally wired in parallel with compensation network 214 within MRdevice 102 of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10a , the magnetic assembly 208 aincludes discrete coils 302 and subject support 304. Discrete coils 302may be further composed of a number of individual coils positioned in aco-axial configuration, at a relative distance from one another that isless than the diameter of the coils, rather than a single continuousspiral. In some embodiments, the subject support 304 is a device, suchas a chair, platform or patient bed. The subject support 304 may beconstructed of a non-magnetic material. The subject support 304 may becapable of physically supporting a magnetic therapy subject in anyposition within discrete coils 302. In addition, the subject support304, may be a tub structure used to submerge the subject in a fluid,such as water, for submersed magnetic therapy. Although not shown inFIG. 10a , subject support may be supported using lateral connectionsthat emerge from the ends of the coil to connect to a stand or otherstructural component.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10b , the magnetic assembly 208 bincludes a plurality of discrete coils 306. The discrete coils 306 arefurther composed of a number of individual coils. The individual coilsmay be of different diameters. In some embodiments, the individual coilsare positioned in a co-axial configuration, at a relative distance fromone another that is smaller than the diameter of the coils. Thediameters of individual coils within discrete coils 306 may increase ordecrease in a regular along the axis of magnetic assembly 208 b.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10c , the magnetic assembly 208 cincludes housing-A 306, housing-B 307, hinged mechanism-A 308, andhinged mechanism-B 309. In one embodiment, the construction of housing-A306 and housing-B 307 is “D-shaped” such that their flat portions mayrest upon a horizontal surface such as a floor surface. In someembodiments, one or more internal “D-shaped” coils (not shown) areenclosed within housing-A 306 and housing-B 307. Additionally, housing-A306 and housing-B 307 may be segmented, at least once, with a hingedmechanism 308 so that they may be folded one or more times to easehandling for storage, re-positioning or shipment.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10d , the magnetic assembly 208 dincludes paired individual coils of a non-circular shape. The magneticassembly 208 d may be of any non-circular shape including a rectangularshape as shown in FIG. 10 d.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10e , the magnetic assembly 208 eincludes paired plates which produce magnetic flux. The plates ofmagnetic assembly 208 e may optionally contain slots, perforations,punctures or other voids of any size, shape or pattern, i.e. regularlyor random randomly placed throughout the plate (not shown).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10f , the magnetic assembly 208 fdepicts a set of at least four individual coils that are arranged in anoverall coaxial configuration. In one embodiment, the coaxial coils ofmagnetic assembly 208 f are further subdivided into at least twosub-groups of two individual coils which are concentric and co-planar,and in addition, possess differing diameters. The spacing betweenindividual coils within each set of coils of magnetic assembly 208 f maybe spaced in a variety of ways, for example, evenly spaced, regularlyspaced, or randomly spaced apart. Regularly spaced coils may include,for example, coils whose spacing increases at a constant rate ofdisplacement, or alternatively at an exponential rate.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10g , the magnetic assembly 208 gdepicts a set of at least four individual coils that are arranged in anoverall coaxial configuration. In one embodiment, the coaxial coils ofmagnetic assembly 208 f are further subdivided into at least twosub-groups of coils. Individual coils within each sub-group may bespaced at a relative distance that is less than the diameter of thesmallest individual coils, while groups of coils are spaced furtherapart, as shown in FIG. 10g . The order of individual coils may vary bysize, for example the smallest coil may be the innermost coil, or theoutmost coil (or in any other position) in magnetic assembly 208 g.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10h , the magnetic assembly 208 hincludes two sets of two coaxial coils, coil set-A 310 and coil set-B312. In one embodiment, the axes of coil set-A 310 and coil set-B 312are perpendicular to one another and lie on a common plane. In someembodiments, the axis of coil set-A 310 intersects the midpoint betweenthe coils of coil set-B 312, while the axis of coil set-B 312 liesoutside the midpoint between the coils of coil set-A 310, as shown inFIG. 10h . The subject may be positioned in the center of the assembly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10i , the magnetic assembly 208 iincludes two sets of coaxial coils, coil set-C 314 and coil set-D 316.In one embodiment, coil set-C 314 is a pair of opposing single coils,while coil set-D 316 is a pair of opposing triple coils, six coilstotal. In some embodiments, the axes of coil set-C 314 and coil set-D316 are perpendicular to one another and lie on a common plane. The axisof coil set-C 314 and coil set-D 316 may intersect at a common midpointas shown in FIG. 10i . The subject may be positioned in the center ofthe assembly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10j , the magnetic assembly 208 jincludes three sets of orthogonal coil pairs, coil set-E 318, coil set-F320, and coil set-G 322. The axis of coil set-E 318, coil set-F 320, andcoil set-G 322 may intersect at a common midpoint as shown in FIG. 10j .The subject may be positioned in the center of the assembly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10k , the magnetic assembly 208 kincludes three sets of orthogonal coil pairs, coil set-H 324, coil set-I326, and coil set-J 328. The axis of coil set-H 324, coil set-I 326, andcoil set-J 328 may intersect at a common midpoint as shown in FIG. 10k .Coil set-I 326 may include two sets of coaxially placed coils; each setmay comprise two or more parallel coils. The subject may be positionedin the center of the assembly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10L, the magnetic assembly 208 lincludes discrete coils 330 and subject support 332, coil set-K 334 andcoil set-L 336. In one embodiment, discrete coils 330 are furthercomposed of a number of individual coils positioned in a co-axialconfiguration. In some embodiments, subject support 332 is a device,such as a chair, platform, patient bed and/or tub filled with a fluid(such as water), constructed of a non-magnetic material, and capable ofphysically supporting a magnetic therapy subject in any position withindiscrete coils 330. Coil set-K 334 and coil set-L 336 may be two sets ofsingle coaxial coils. The axes of coil set-K 334 and coil set-L 336 maybe perpendicular to one another and lie on a common plane. In oneembodiment, the axis of discrete coils 330, coil set-K 334, and coilset-L 336 are orthogonal and intersect at a common midpoint as shown inFIG. 10L. The subject may be positioned in the center of the assembly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10m , the magnetic assembly 208 mincludes ceiling mount fixture 338, articulated arm 340 and coil set-M342. In one embodiment, the magnetic assembly 208 m is an articulatedpositioning device, as shown in FIG. 10m , in which ceiling mountfixture 338 provides fixture to any surface, such as a floor, ceiling orwall. The articulated arm 340 may provide a free range of motion suchthat coil set-M 342 may be positioned in any number of positions andorientations. Although shown with single circular coils, this type ofassembly can be used with any of the coils of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10n , the magnetic assembly 208 nincludes subject support 344, and coil set-N 346. In one embodiment,coil set-N 346 comprises one or more sets of horizontally orientedcoaxial coils. In some embodiments, subject support 344 is a device,such as a chair, platform, patient bed and/or tub filled with a fluid(such as water), constructed of a non-magnetic material, and capable ofphysically supporting a magnetic therapy subject in any position withinthe axis of coil set-N 346 as shown in FIG. 10 n.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10o , the magnetic assembly 208 oincludes housing-C 346, housing-D 348, foldable spacer-A 350, andfoldable spacer-B 352. In some embodiments, the construction ofhousing-C 346 and housing-D 348 is “D-shaped” such that their flatportions may rest upon a horizontal surface such as a floor surface.Internal “D-shaped” coils (not shown) may be enclosed within housing-C346 and housing-D 348. In some embodiments, housing-C 346 and housing-D348 are connected via two hinged spacers, foldable spacer-A 350 andfoldable spacer-B 352, that are hinged at all four connection points(not shown) to housing-C 346 to housing-D 348. These hinged connectionsallow magnetic assembly 208 o to be folded flat for storage,re-positioning or shipment.

Referring to FIGS. 10a through 10o , as well as FIG. 2, the operation ofmagnetic assemblies 208 a through 208 o according to some embodimentsmay be summarized as follows. In operation, the client computer 108 maycommunicate operational commands, such as normal operation on/off, ACcalibration, and DC calibration to the MR driver 218. For normaloperation according to one embodiment, the client computer 108 furthercommunicates specific magnetic waveform parameters, such as waveformtype (e.g., sinusoidal, rectilinear, square), amplitude (e.g., 1milli-volt) and frequency (e.g., 10 Hz) to MR driver 218. The MR driver218 may provide the specific waveform to magnetic assembly 208. Themagnetic assembly 208 may be connected in parallel with the compensationnetwork 214, for example wired via cables 216. In some embodiments, theinternal coil configuration of the magnetic assembly 208 is one or moreof magnetic assemblies 208 a through 208 o. The individual coils and/orplates of each magnetic assemblies 208 a through 208 o may be energizedin any order, by any waveform, continuous or discontinuous.

From the foregoing, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the present disclosure sets forth a system for providing MR with aplurality of MR devices and a method of using a MR system with aplurality of MR devices. The teachings of this disclosure shall not beconsidered to be limited to the specific examples disclosed herein, butto include all applications within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A method of providing a magnetic resonance treatment to asubject, comprising: querying a database of a plurality of magneticresonance treatment protocols and parameters; generating a magneticresonance treatment protocol based at least in part on a result of thequery; providing a first magnetic resonance treatment to the subjectusing a magnetic resonance device comprising a magnetic assembly;controlling, by a magnetic resonance driver, the magnetic resonancedevice according to the magnetic resonance treatment protocol, whereinthe magnetic resonance driver comprises an electronic waveformgenerator; compensating using a compensation network comprising aresistor and capacitor network configured to match an impedance of themagnetic resonance driver, wherein the magnetic assembly is coupled inparallel with the compensation network; determining a magnetic fieldstrength output by the magnetic resonance device; and modifying themagnetic resonance treatment based in part on a biometric measurementand the determined magnetic field strength.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the biometric measurement comprises a measurement received fromone or more of: a blood pressure sensor; a perspiration sensor; a bodyweight sensor; a body temperature sensor; a haptics glove sensor; anelectroencephalograph; or an electrocardiograph.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein querying the database comprises at least one of: searchingthe database for prior treatment data of the subject; searching thedatabase for a treatment of a like-situated subject with a medicalhistory similar to the subject; or searching the database for a subjectpopulation trend.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying themagnetic resonance treatment comprises applying a second magneticresonance treatment to the subject at a different magnetic fieldstrength than the first magnetic resonance treatment.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein modifying the magnetic resonance treatment furthercomprises: monitoring the subject during the treatment; providingsubject data to a processor; and determining whether a treatmentadjustment is needed, and if it is determined that the treatmentadjustment is needed, identifying the needed adjustment.
 6. The methodof claim 5, wherein determining whether a treatment adjustment is neededcomprises comparing an intended result of the treatment to an actualresult of the treatment.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprisingending treatment, wherein ending the treatment of the subject comprises:commanding a processor to end the treatment; using a processor tocollect and store subject data; and providing the subject data to adatabase.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining accessto the magnetic resonance treatment protocol.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein obtaining access to the magnetic resonance treatment protocolcomprises determining whether an operator has a subscription to themagnetic resonance treatment protocol.
 10. The method of claim 1,further comprising: executing a sweep protocol; and generating themagnetic resonance treatment protocol based at least in part based on aresult of the subject's feedback during the sweep protocol.
 11. A systemfor providing a magnetic resonance to a subject, the system comprising:a processor configured to: query a database of a plurality of magneticresonance treatment protocols and parameters; generate a magneticresonance treatment protocol based at least in part on a result of thequery; provide a first magnetic resonance treatment to the subject usinga magnetic resonance device comprising a magnetic assembly; control amagnetic resonance driver to control the magnetic resonance deviceaccording to the magnetic resonance treatment protocol, wherein themagnetic resonance driver comprises an electronic waveform generator;determine a magnetic field strength output by the magnetic resonancedevice; and modify the magnetic resonance treatment based in part on abiometric measurement and the determined magnetic field strength; and acompensation network comprising a resistor and capacitor networkconfigured to match an impedance of an magnetic resonance driver,wherein the magnetic assembly is coupled in parallel with thecompensation network.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the biometricmeasurement comprises a measurement received from one or more of: ablood pressure sensor; a perspiration sensor; a body weight sensor; abody temperature sensor; a haptics glove sensor; anelectroencephalograph; or an electrocardiograph.
 13. The system of claim11, wherein querying the database comprises at least one of: searchingthe database for prior treatment data of the subject; searching thedatabase for a treatment of a like-situated subject with a medicalhistory similar to the subject; or searching the database for a subjectpopulation trend.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein modifying themagnetic resonance treatment comprises applying a second magneticresonance treatment to the subject at a different magnetic fieldstrength than the first magnetic resonance treatment.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein modifying the magnetic resonance treatment furthercomprises: monitoring the subject during the treatment; providingsubject data to a processor; and determining whether a treatmentadjustment is needed, and if it is determined that the treatmentadjustment is needed, identifying the needed adjustment.
 16. The systemof claim 15, wherein determining whether a treatment adjustment isneeded comprises comparing an intended result of the treatment to anactual result of the treatment.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein theprocessor is further configured to end treatment, wherein endingtreatment comprises: ending magnetic resonance treatment; collecting andstoring subject data; and providing the subject data to a database. 18.The system of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured toobtain access to the magnetic resonance treatment protocol.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein obtaining access to the magnetic resonancetreatment protocol comprises determining whether an operator has asubscription to the magnetic resonance treatment protocol.
 20. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to:execute a sweep protocol; and generate the magnetic resonance treatmentprotocol based at least in part based on a result of the subject'sfeedback during the sweep protocol.